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Pregnancy is an exciting time for women, but it is also important to know whether you are actually pregnant or not. These tests can determine your pregnancy status in just a few minutes compared to a blood test. However, pregnancy test kits should be used with proper knowledge and guidance. In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about using a pregnancy test kit.
What do pregnancy test kits measure?
Pregnancy test kits measure the levels of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone produced by the placenta in the uterus. If the levels of these hormones in your urine are high, the pregnancy test is considered positive. However, higher hormone levels take time, so you may not see positive results sometimes. In such cases, you can wait for 2-3 days and then do another test.
When to take a pregnancy test?
The best time to take a pregnancy test is 10 to 14 days after you have missed your period when HCG can be measured in the blood and urine. If you are pregnant and have missed your period, it is advisable to get tested during this time. Additionally, testing first thing in the morning is a good option. Drinking too much water or fluids can dilute your urine and cause the test to be inaccurate.
Levels: A value less than 5 mIU/mL (milli-international units per milliliter) indicates a negative hCG test. An HCG level greater than or equal to 25 mIU/mL indicates a positive result.
How to do pregnancy test at home?
Pregnancy test kits are the best and quickest way to know if you are pregnant or not. The time it takes for results to be ready varies for each pregnancy test kit brand. You can get results in two to three minutes, but it is better to take several tests to confirm.
Here's how to test:
You can collect the urine into a container for testing.
Then, dip the pregnancy test stick in it or use a dropper to take a few drops of the sample on the test strip.
You can also place the pregnancy test kit directly under the urine stream.
After using a urine sample, leave your test kit in place for 5 minutes.
If you see a change in color, a change in the marked line, or a symbol or word, such as a plus/minus sign, “positive” or “negative,” the test is complete. Be sure to read the instructions on the outer packaging. This will give you information on how to use the kit. Some pregnancy test kits are made with a few drops of a urine sample, while others involve a long strip inserted directly into the urine.
Are pregnancy test kits always accurate?
Pregnancy test kits are about 99 percent accurate when used correctly. However, improper application may result in inaccurate readings.
After taking the test it is necessary to ensure the following:
A negative test can indicate several things, while a positive test indicates that HCG is present in the urine.
Negative tests may indicate that there is no pregnancy or that the test was performed improperly or too early to detect hCG.
If the result is favorable, individuals should schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider so they can recommend further steps to take.
If the test is negative yet you are confident about pregnancy, you should try again in a week or consult a doctor for a blood test.
If a line is light colored, you may be positive or your urine sample has evaporated. Another test after 2-3 days is recommended for confirmation.
A woman cannot become pregnant even if the test is positive. High hormone levels may be a sign of another medical problem. This can lead to a deficiency of immunoglobulin (IgA), an antibody important for immunological performance.