FAQs About Pregnancy Tests

Discover the positive and negative sides of home pregnancy test kits, no pun intended. When the time has come for a woman to test for pregnancy, there are several factors involved in choosing the right test. This time is one of the most important moments of a person's life, so it pays to know the facts.

Q: How does a home pregnancy test kit work?

A: A home pregnancy test kit works by testing the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a woman's urine stream. If an egg is fertilized at the time of ovulation, hCG is secreted into the blood stream after implantation and is subsequently present in urine samples. The further along a woman is throughout the first weeks of pregnancy, the higher her level of hCG. To test for pregnancy using a home test kit, a urine sample is collected in the comfort of home, and a test stick is placed in the sample. First morning urine is optimal, as it is the most concentrated urine of the day. If not collecting a sample, place the stick directly in the urine stream. After the required amount of time, usually three to five minutes depending on the test, a positive or negative result appears. If a positive result is achieved, contact a physician to have a confirmation of pregnancy as false positives are known to occur. If a negative result occurs, wait a few days to a week, and test again if it is too soon to detect hCG.

Q: Can a false negative occur with a home pregnancy test?

A: Yes, many women have gone several weeks, even months into pregnancy and continued to test negative on home pregnancy tests. The cause is unknown, but if a woman is concerned about a possible false negative, the only way to confirm the result is through blood testing at a doctor's office. In any case, contact a doctor if concerns should arise. Proper prenatal care is very important during pregnancy.