Taking a pregnancy test correctly is critical to assuring you receive an accurate result. From taking a pregnancy test at the right time to the correct procedure, this page will explain how to take a pregnancy test correctly.

The accuracy of home pregnancy test is about 99% if they are taken correctly.http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/pregnancy-tests These tests work by detecting a hormone called hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, in your urine. HCG is a hormone that is released by the placenta when you are pregnant. From the time of conception, levels of hCG gradually rise in your urine. If your urine has a high enough level of hCG, a pregnancy test will register a positive. If hCG is not present or is too low, a pregnancy test will return a negative result. While each pregnancy test may have slightly different steps or ways to read the results, there are basic steps you should follow to take a pregnancy test correctly.

Take your pregnancy test at the right time during your menstrual cycle. If you take your test too soon, you could be pregnant and the pregnancy test could register a negative result. Typically, most pregnancy tests are able to detect a hCG about 10 days after conception. Many experts suggest waiting 5 to 10 days after your period is late before taking a home pregnancy test for accurate results. http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/pregnancy-tests. Some tests may be more sensitive and can detect lower levels of hCG in your urine, so check your home pregnancy test for recommended timing. If you take your pregnancy test early and your period doesn't start whendue, repeat the test.

Take your pregnancy test first thing in the morning when hCG levels are more concentrated in your urine. If you take your pregnancy test later in the day, take it when your urine has been in your bladder for 4 hours or more. Avoid drinking a large volume of liquid before taking your pregnancy test as it could dilute the results.

Wash your hands before starting your pregnancy test to avoid contamination. Put a sufficient amount of urine on the pregnancy test. Some tests suggest urinating directly on the test by aiming at a small test strip or depression in the test strip. Other tests suggest collecting your urine in a small, clean glass and placing the test directly in the urine. If you are concerned about aiming or having enough urine for the test to register properly, consider the glass collection method. If you are comfortable with your aim and urine amounts, use the direct urination approach. Just select the appropriate test that correlates with your preferred pregnancy test method.

The final step in taking your pregnancy test correctly is reading the test results. Read the instructions on your specific pregnancy test for best results as the methods for reading test results vary. Some tests indicate pregnancy with 2 lines and no pregnancy with 1 line. Other tests have a plus sign for a positive pregnancy test. Some tests will even say Yes if pregnant and No if you are not pregnancy. Consider selecting a pregnancy test that leaves little doubt of the results. If you receive a positive pregnancy result, make an appointment with your doctor for confirmation. If you receive a negative result and do not have your period, retake the test. If you take the test several more times and the result is still negative and you have not started your menstrual cycle, consult your doctor to rule out an ectopic pregnancy or other complication. http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/pregnancy-tests

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here