Pregnancy Tests

Pregnancy Tests

At-home pregnancy tests are a quick and reliable way to determine if you may be pregnant. These tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

• On or after the first day of your missed period for the most accurate results.
• If you have irregular periods, test at least 21 days after unprotected sex.
• If your result is negative but your period still hasn't started, test again in 48 hours to one week.

How to Use a Pregnancy Test

• Read and follow the instructions included with your test.
• Use your first morning urine when possible, as it contains the highest concentration of hCG.
• Read the result within the time frame listed in the instructions.

Understanding Your Results

• Positive: Even a faint test line usually means hCG was detected and you may be pregnant. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss next steps.
• Negative: You may not be pregnant, or it may be too early to detect hCG. If your period does not begin, test again in 48 hours to one week.
• Invalid: If the control line does not appear, the test did not work correctly. Use a new test.

Expiration Dates

Pregnancy tests should not be used after their expiration date. Over time, the chemicals used to detect hCG can become less effective, which may lead to inaccurate results.

A test is only considered valid if the control line appears. If the control line does not appear, the test is invalid regardless of the result.

Important Reminders

• Follow the instructions provided with your specific test kit.
• Certain medications used in fertility treatment that contain hCG may affect results.
• If you receive a positive result or have questions about your results, contact your healthcare provider.