October 3, 2024 When faced with the possibility of pregnancy, a pregnancy test can provide the clarity you need. But how do these tests work? Understanding how they work can help unravel other mysteries, such as what type to use and when they’re most accurate. You can receive free lab-quality pregnancy testing at The Legacy Center. Contact us to make an appointment today. Continue reading to learn more about pregnancy tests. How Do Pregnancy Tests Work? At the core of every pregnancy test is detecting the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is produced after a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, typically around six to ten days after conception. Once hCG builds to detectable levels in your urine or blood, a pregnancy test can identify its presence and provide a positive result. Types of Pregnancy Tests There are two main types of pregnancy tests: blood tests and urine tests.Blood tests are less common and require a visit to a doctor, clinic, or lab. While they can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests—sometimes as soon as seven to ten days after conception—most women opt for the convenience and lower price of at-home urine tests. Urine tests are the most common type of pregnancy test available. These are most effective one day after your missed period when hCG levels have had time to rise.While some tests advertise that they can detect pregnancy earlier, waiting until after your missed period gives the most accurate results, reducing the chance of a false negative. How to Use At-Home Pregnancy Tests At-home pregnancy tests are commonly found at grocery stores and pharmacies. For these tests, you will either hold the test in your urine stream, dip it into a cup of urine, or place a few drops of urine onto the test. It depends on the test’s instructions. The result will show after a few minutes. It could be a plus or minus sign, the words “yes” or “no,” one line or two lines, or “pregnant” or “not pregnant.” Be sure to follow the instructions for how long to wait before checking the results—usually around two minutes or more. Most tests also include a control indicator, such as a line or symbol, to show they are working correctly. If the control line or symbol doesn’t appear, the test may not be working properly, and you should try a new one. Get Free and Accurate Testing If you think you may be pregnant and want a reliable answer, The Legacy Center offers free lab-quality pregnancy testing to give you peace of mind. You don’t need to navigate this uncertainty alone—schedule your free appointment today for accurate results and the support you deserve.
