A home pregnancy test is becoming familiar because of its hassle-free process. The test can tell whether you’re pregnant by collecting your urine sample for the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone. In this article, we will guide you on how to read a pregnancy test and what to keep in mind with the process of doing a pregnancy test.

Pregnancy Test Instruction

• • Step 1: Pee in a clean cup
  • Step 2: Place one to several drops of your pee on a chemical strip
  • Step 3: Re-cap the device and place it horizontally on a clean, flat surface
  • Step 4: Wait 5 minutes for the test to finish processing

How to see the result

If one pink line appears on the strip, the test is negative, indicating that you are not pregnant. If two pink lines are on the strip, the test is positive, and you are pregnant.

How accurate are the home pregnancy tests?

At-home pregnancy tests are 97% accurate if you use them exactly as instructed. You can take the test 7 – 10 days after intercourse. However, it is important to note that a negative pregnancy result does not always mean that you are not pregnant, and vice versa. You might get false results if you:

• • Take the test too early or too late: If you take the test too early, your body has not produced enough hCG; therefore, the test might not detect pregnancy correctly and lead to an inaccurate result. If you take the test too late, the hCG level is too high and might also affect the outcome. For the most accurate result, take the test in the early morning. That is when your urine is most concentrated, making it easy to detect the hCG level 
  • Use an expired or damaged pregnancy test: Pregnancy tests have a best-before date. Check the expiration date of the test before use. Also, check whether the cover of the test is intact. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully and use the test at the right time 
  • Certain medications and medical conditions: If you are using drugs such as sedatives, diuretics, anticonvulsants, certain fertility medications, etc. These medications can affect the inaccuracy of the test.