Can I Trust the Results of an At-Home Pregnancy Test?

Whether you feel excited or stressed while taking an at-home pregnancy test, it is important to know how much you can trust the results. Here are the answers to some common questions about at-home tests. 

When should I test? 

While some at-home tests claim they can detect a pregnancy early on, it is recommended that you wait to test after the first day of a missed period. This will give a more accurate result.  

What causes an at-home pregnancy test to be positive? 

At-home pregnancy tests are designed to detect a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG, which is created when the placenta begins forming after implantation. This hormone is almost exclusively produced during pregnancy.  

Is it possible to get a false positive result?  

Yes, it is possible to test positive when you are not pregnant, but that is very rare. Pregnancy tests degrade in accuracy after the stated wait time in the instructions. So you may get a false positive result if you read the pregnancy test after the instructed amount of time. Pregnancy tests degrade in accuracy after the time instructed on the test.   

Is it possible to get a false negative result? 

If you test too early, there may not be enough hCG in your urine for the test to detect it. Also, if you don’t wait the full amount of time listed in the instructions, you may not get an accurate result. The concentration of hCG in your urine will be highest in the morning, so testing right after you wake up may provide a more accurate result. If you test negative but still think you may be pregnant, take another test a week later.  

Other Tips 

• Check your test’s expiration date before testing to ensure more accurate results. 
• Carefully follow the test’s instructions and wait time.  
• Ask a pharmacist which at-home test they recommend if you feel overwhelmed by your options.  

• If your at-home test result is positive, mixed, or negative but you still don’t get your period, schedule a blood test or ultrasound with your physician.  

If you think you may be pregnant, call Prestonwood Pregnancy Center today to schedule an appointment for a lab-grade urine pregnancy test free of charge.