Are Home Pregnancy Tests Accurate?

The thought of even needing to take home pregnancy tests can be overwhelming and nerve-wracking for many women, let alone wondering whether the result will be precise. So, are home pregnancy tests accurate? Let’s dig in deeper to find out.

How do home pregnancy tests work?
Home pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the urine, which is a hormone produced by the placenta in pregnant women. The levels of this hormone quickly increase early on in pregnancy, but if you take a home test too early, it may not pick up on those trace amounts.

When should I take a home pregnancy test?
Home pregnancy test accuracy highly depends on when the test is taken. While many tests claim to show results early on, like from the first day of your missed period or even before then, it really is best to wait until a full week following your missed period. The accuracy rate will be much higher.

Are there any myths about taking home pregnancy tests?
Often women believe they need to drink a lot of water prior to taking a home pregnancy test, but this isn’t the best way to go about it. Drinking too much water can dilute the urine and give you inaccurate results. The best time of day to take a home pregnancy test is in the morning after you wake up.

Is there more than one kind of home pregnancy test?
Some pregnancy tests will instruct you to place the dipstick directly into the stream of urine, while others will tell you to submerge it into a small container of urine. It’s important to read and follow the instructions of your test carefully. Make sure the test is not past its expiration date for best results.

Could my birth control method interfere with test results?
Though it is rare to become pregnant while on birth control, it is possible. Hormonal birth control methods like the birth control pill will not affect the accuracy of your pregnancy test.

So, are home pregnancy tests accurate?
The manufacturers of home pregnancy tests often claim their products are up to 99 percent accurate. However, research finds that many of these are simply not sensitive enough to detect pregnancy early on. There are many factors that play into this rate, like whether it has been used properly or if it is past its expiration date.

Is there a way I can limit the uncertainty of home pregnancy tests?
While home tests are discreet, it is much better to know for sure than to wonder whether the result you got was accurate. At LIFE CHOICES Rowan, our trained and professional staff can provide you with a free pregnancy test and discuss the results with you in a one-on-one setting. Schedule your appointment with us today.

If utilized properly and taken at the right time, home pregnancy tests can be accurate – but they should always be followed up with pregnancy confirmation services. You may be eligible for a free ultrasound at Pregnancy Support Center to medically confirm your pregnancy. Contact us today for more information about our no-cost services.

Sources:
Mayo Clinic
Parents
Healthline