Title: Pregnancy tests: How does it work, how do I take it, and when?
Headings: Pregnancy tests: All you need to know
Pregnancy tests: All you need to know
How does a pregnancy test work?
How do I take it?
Urine testing at home
Blood testing
When can I take it?
What happens next?
Can medications affect the result?
Other factors that affect HCG

Content: It is important to read the package insert to know the best and earliest time to take the test. The best time of day to take a urine pregnancy test is first thing in the morning, after waking. This is because consuming a lot of liquids before taking the test, can lead to a false negative, even if the woman is pregnant. What happens next? Used correctly, a urine pregnancy test should be around 99 percent accurate. However, incorrect use can result in an inaccurate reading. A positive home pregnancy test simply means that HCG is present in the urine, while a negative test can have a variety of meanings. Negative tests can mean that there is no pregnancy, or they can mean that the test was either taken too early to detect HCG, or that it was not done correctly. If the result is positive, the woman should make an appointment to see a healthcare professional, who can guide her about the next steps. If the result is negative, but the woman has the signs and symptoms of pregnancy, she should test again after 1 week or ask a doctor about a blood test instead.