If conception occurs, a woman’s body will start to produce a hormone called "human chorionic gonadotrophin" (or "hCG" for short). This is commonly referred to as "the pregnancy hormone." Pregnancy tests detect the presence of this hormone in order to determine if a pregnancy has occurred. Both urine and blood tests detect this same hormone.
How Home Pregnancy Tests Work
A home urine pregnancy tests is manufactured to detect the presence of hCG in the urine. Although this test will not be able to provide the actual level of hCG, it nevertheless determines if this hormone is present. A positive result means that the woman’s body is producing hCG.
The home pregnancy test is used by urinating on the test strip. Different tests on the market will have different positive pregnancy alerts on them. Some "results windows" may show a double line, others will show a plus sign, and still others will show a happy face. Regardless of what the sign is, these positive results are caused by the hCG reacting with monoclonal antibodies in the tester.
There should also be a second window on the test called the "control indicator." A line will always appear in this box to make sure that the test is working properly. If a line does not appear in this box, then re-testing may be necessary.
Many home pregnancy tests will recommend that a second test should be done two or three days later to ensure that the result is accurate. This is generally recommended if the testing is done too early, which may result in a false negative.
How to Get an Accurate Result
Home pregnancy tests are quite accurate as long as they are used properly. The first recommendation that most home pregnancy test companies suggest is to wait until the woman has missed her period. This will give the body enough time to produce enough hCG for the test to detect. If she is indeed pregnant, but her period is not due for a couple of days, the home pregnancy test may not be able to pick up on the small amount of hCG present.
It is important to read the test during the "test reading time." A result must only be read during this time, or the result will not be accurate. A result read hours after this time will not provide an accurate result. What may be showing at this elapsed time is an evaporation line, which can occur as the urine dries on the tester.
Testing first thing in the morning is usually best since the urine is much more concentrated at this time.
For more pregnancy-related information, please visit: www.complete-pregnancy-guide.com
References:
1. babyhopes.com
2. health.howstuffworks.com
3. mayoclinic.com
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