Pregnancy tests: how to do one and accuracy

Pregnancy test | Am I pregnant? | Pregnancy tests | Pregnancy symptoms

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How do you do a home pregnancy test?

There are many different types of home pregnancy tests and they cost between £6-12. Most of them work by telling you to wee onto a small stick.

Then all you have to do is wait a few minutes and your result window will show you if you're pregnant or not.

If a line or plus symbol appears, you are pregnant. It doesn't matter how faint the line or plus symbol is, the result is positive.

Most brands will advise you to repeat the test in a few days, no matter what the result.

If your first result is negative, it doesn't meant you're not pregnant. There might not be enough hCG in your body yet - take it again in a few days.
If your first result is positive, you're almost definitely pregnant. False positives are very rare, although they do sometimes happen.

How accurate are home pregnancy tests?

Home pregnancy tests are very accurate and most claim between 97% and 99% accuracy, but as with any kit there are things that can affect the test result.

How you use them: Check the expiry date and make sure you follow the instructions properly.
When you use them: The amount of hCG or pregnancy hormone in your urine increases with time and is often different at certain times of day. The earlier after a missed period you take the test, the harder it is to spot the hCG. Also, testing your urine first thing in the morning may boost the accuracy.
Who uses them: The amount of hCG in urine is different for every woman. Some women will have accurate results on the day of the missed period while others will need to wait longer.
The brand of test: Some tests are more sensitive than others, so they will be better at spotting hCG early on.