Understanding how to read a pregnancy test result
Time to read 7 min
Time to read 7 min
Pregnancy tests can be purchased from different manufacturers and across online and retail stores. This means that you can buy different types of pregnancy tests and would need to know how to read a pregnancy test across each brand.
You can follow the instructions mentioned in the kit, and get a sense of the reference diagram with regards to the a home pregnancy test results. This should show you exactly what marker and test level to look for when checking.
Some tests provide a control and test line, denoted by C and T, which indicate whether a positive, negative, or invalid reading is made available. You can take the right call depending on what results emerge after taking the test.
a home pregnancy test that show a positive result, indicate the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin hCG in the urine.
With at home testing in your washroom, being convenient for women across the country, it is important to know how a pregnancy test works and how to read results.
You should also know how to select the right a home pregnancy test for you. There may be different brands available in the market, but you should select the one that is designed by a reputable and known brand.
You should also use one that is ergonomic, can measure hCG levels , and has clear indicators showcasing whether you are pregnant or not
The packaging sturdiness is another key factor that you should consider, as a flimsy package can be easily compromised.
The main aspect of interpreting a pregnancy test is to understand what each of the indicators mean. Different tests can have different indicators, but they follow the same principle. You can review what C, T, and invalid representations are within the test used.
A positive pregnancy test reading can be indicated with two lines, one on C and another on T. Some tests may also use a cross sign or a text based sign as well. A positive reading is markedly different from a negative reading, which is why it is easier to identify.
You can get a negative reading with the absence of the T line or demarcation. This indicates that you are not pregnant, and that the test is not invalid. This is important to note, as there could be a case of invalid reading as well.
An invalid reading is when the urine sample or the testing kit has been compromised. This can be denoted with a weaker line or no lines present anywhere. You can take another test and replace the results with another option.
The most important aspect of a pregnancy test is how effectively you take one by following all the instructions. A positive pregnancy test is made readable when the indicator denotes that you are pregnant as per your hCG hormone levels.
The best time to take a pregnancy test is in the morning, which is when the levels of hCG hormones are at their peak. You can get a more accurate reading of whether your body is producing the hormone after successful conception.
You should ideally take the test the moment you purchase it, so that there is no delay in checking the results. If you find that you are getting multiple negatives, then checking in the morning may provide you with more accurate readings of hCG levels in the urine.
While each test may have a unique way of tracking for hCG hormones, the most modern tests follow a single pattern. You can follow the instructions as mentioned to ensure that you're getting the right reading for your pregnancy test.
You need to start by removing the protective cap from the urine testing area. You can do so by pulling the cap out from the end of the pregnancy testing stick. This will help you get the test reading with maximum accuracy.
You need to ensure that you're not wetting other areas of the pregnancy stick, such as the testing results area. When you take a pregnancy test in the washroom, you need to keep one end of the stick dry.
You can start by placing the stick within a direct stream of urine for 5-10 seconds so that it can completely capture the urine sample for testing. The pregnancy kit will now measure the levels of hCG in the body through urine.
You can now close the cap in the urine sample collection area, and place the stick on a flat platform. This can help you know with greater accuracy whether you are pregnant, as the sample is not contaminated by other elements.
Most manufacturers recommend a 2-3 minute window for the testing results to show-up in the reader. This is so that the testing kit has adequate time to detect hCG levels in the urine through the testing mechanism.
You can now read the results of the pregnancy kit from the stick directly. If there is a single line on the control test level, then for most kits you are not pregnant. If you find that you have two lines on C and T then you are pregnant in most home pregnancy test kits.
If you find that there is no line on C and a line on T, then the test may be invalid. Pregnancy tests can be invalid for a variety of reasons, which is why you should retake another test to be completely sure.
When you're tracking your missed period and potential pregnancy, you should also be aware of the potential signs of a successful pregnancy. You can use these signs as a positive indicator outside of a pregnancy test as well.
A key sign is a missed period, along with cramping, bloating, mood swings, and morning sickness. You can also experience spotting, along with body aches, as a part of a successful pregnancy. You can take a pregnancy test to be completely sure about whether you are pregnant.
One of the main benefits of taking multiple tests is greater assurance. You can get results from multiple tests so that you are assured of an accurate reading. You can also test multiple times in a week so that you can also track when your body is producing hCG.
Through multiple tests, you can also capture information about hCG levels. You can understand whether your body is producing enough hormones, by getting a high-quality test from a trusted brand. Multiple tests also improve accuracy overall throughout the testing period.
Understanding the outcome of a pregnancy test kit is important since it demonstrates knowledge of the kit's reliability and what the results mean in early pregnancy. Pregnancy test kits are highly in demand today because they are accessible, inexpensive, and easy to use.
But how do pregnancy tests work? A pregnancy test primarily detects a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. This hormone, produced by your body shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus, signals pregnancy.
If you take the pregnancy test, especially an at-home pregnancy test, it's not unusual to realize that they do work with quite a high degree of accuracy, especially after a missed period.
Most of the time, pregnancy tests have been designed to provide home users with reliable results-up to 97-99% so long as you take the test correctly.
It is also recommended that you apply the test during the morning. This is because the level of hCG in the urine tends to be much higher in the morning. This gives you an accurate result as you are taking the pregnancy test at home.
Despite having a very high accuracy, the result of the test may still be influenced by some factors at times. For instance, in case you take the test too early, then one is likely to get false negatives even though they are pregnant as the levels of hCG in your urine are still very low.
Furthermore, if you drink excess fluid before the test, it will dilute the levels of hCG in your body leading to a false-negative outcome. This is why some doctors advise that you take the test with the first urine of the day.
Although relatively rare, there are circumstances under which you might be given a false positive diagnosis, such as certain conditions or medications you are using or maybe even a miscarriage which occurred recently.
You also might have some fertility treatment that could give you an inaccurate positive reading; hCG injection is one such example of fertility treatment.
If you want absolute confirmation, then it is advisable to seek a medical professional who will conduct a blood test or ultrasound. These are sure confirmations of pregnancy.
Such tests can give you a little more insight to assist you and your doctor assess the development of the pregnancy and the risks involved. You may need to visit your physician again if the pregnancy test is negative, but you still feel pregnant.While home pregnancy tests are helpful in detecting early pregnancy, they cannot be a definitive diagnosis.
Whether the result is positive or negative, a blood test or any other clinical test should be sought if a confirmation is necessary. The earlier it is confirmed, the better, because it opens an opportunity for timely antenatal care and lifestyle changes.
* Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphic, and images, are intended as substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s).
