- A home pregnancy test checks urine for hCG, a hormone that rises during early pregnancy.
- Results are usually more reliable from the first day of a missed period, especially when using first-morning urine.
- A negative result may need to be repeated after a few days if the period is still late or pregnancy symptoms continue.
A home pregnancy test is an over-the-counter test that checks urine for hCG, a hormone that rises during early pregnancy. When used correctly, it can provide a reliable result, especially from the first day of a missed period.
A home pregnancy test is usually more accurate when done with the first urine of the morning, as it is more concentrated. Testing too early can lead to a false negative result if hCG levels are still too low to be detected.
A positive home pregnancy test usually means pregnancy is very likely, while a negative result may need to be repeated after a few days if your period is still late. Homemade pregnancy tests using items like toothpaste, bleach, or chlorine are not reliable, and pregnancy is best confirmed with a pharmacy test or a blood test.
Pregnancy test instructions
To take a pregnancy test correctly, make sure to follow these steps:
- Urinate into a clean container
- Remove the test cap and dip the absorbent tip into the urine
- Wait 5 seconds, or the amount of time indicated on the package, and remove it
- Place the test on a flat surface, such as a table
Finally, wait between 1 and 5 minutes, or according to the package instructions, as this is how long it may take for the test result to appear.
A pregnancy test should preferably be taken with the first urine of the morning, as it is more concentrated and therefore contains a higher amount of hCG hormone. However, the test result is also reliable if it is done at any other time of day, as long as you wait at least 4 hours without urinating.
It is important to remember that instructions may vary depending on the type or brand of pregnancy test. For this reason, it is always important to read the product instructions before using it.
Do homemade tests work?
Popular homemade pregnancy tests that use a needle, toothpaste, chlorine, or bleach should not be done because they are not reliable.
To confirm pregnancy, the most reliable options are an over-the-counter home pregnancy test or a blood test ordered by a healthcare provider. These tests check for hCG in the urine or blood, which can help confirm whether pregnancy has occurred.
When to take a pregnancy test
A home pregnancy test should be taken starting on the first day of a missed period.
If the result is negative but your period is late, or if you have symptoms that may suggest pregnancy, repeat the test in 3 to 5 days. These symptoms can include pink vaginal discharge, sore or more sensitive breasts, abdominal bloating, or excessive tiredness.
Some early result pregnancy tests may detect pregnancy up to 6 days before a missed period. Based on FDA documentation for over-the-counter early pregnancy tests, some tests can help detect pregnancy as early as 5 days before the expected period, although hCG levels may still be too low to detect that early. For this reason, a negative result should be repeated on or after the day the period is expected.
Online test
Select your symptoms below to find out how likely you are to be pregnant:
This test is only a tool and does not replace an appointment with a healthcare provider.
How to read the results
Pregnancy test results may be:
Positive pregnancy test
A pregnancy test is positive when it shows:
-
Two lines: this result is considered positive, even if one of the lines looks more “faded”
-
“+”: positive result, even if the “+” symbol looks slightly “faded”
Negative pregnancy test
A pregnancy test is considered negative when it shows:
-
One line: negative result, indicating that there is no pregnancy or that it is still too early for pregnancy to be detected
-
“-”: negative result, indicating that there is no pregnancy or that it is still too early for pregnancy to be detected
After 10 minutes, the result may no longer be reliable, as it can change due to external factors. Any change that appears after this time should not be considered valid.
How to know if the test is working
Most non-digital pregnancy tests have a control line or control window that shows whether the test worked. If the control line does not appear within the time listed in the product instructions, the result is invalid and the test should be repeated with a new test.
For digital pregnancy tests, there is usually no visible control line. Instead, the screen may show that the test is working, such as with a countdown or progress symbol. If the screen shows an error, stays blank, or does not display a result, the test should be repeated with a new device.
Because instructions can vary by brand and test type, it is important to read the package directions before using the test.
False negative result
A pregnancy test may give a “false negative” result when it is taken too early and there is not enough beta-hCG in the urine. This happens especially when the test is taken before a missed period.
False positive pregnancy test
A “false positive” result can happen when a person gets a positive pregnancy test, repeats the test later, and then gets a negative result.
This usually happens due to a very early miscarriage, which is relatively common in the first weeks of pregnancy. If this happens, it is recommended to see an OB-GYN or healthcare provider to confirm the test result.
Read more about what can cause a false positive pregnancy test and what to do next.