Title: Pregnancy testing - Better Health Channel
Headings: Pregnancy testing
Pregnancy testing
Summary
On this page
Blood pregnancy tests used by doctors
Urine pregnancy tests used by doctors
Home pregnancy test kits
How to use a home pregnancy test kit
False-positive results
Other reasons for a missed period
False-negative results
Always see your doctor for confirmation
Inaccurate results from tests given by the doctor
Where to get help
Things to remember
View all healthy pregnancy

Content: How to use a home pregnancy test kit
Home pregnancy test kits vary in their sensitivity to hCG. Most test kits are best used about one to two weeks after your period was due. Always strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally speaking, most home pregnancy tests follow the same basic principles: You collect urine in a small container and dip the test strip into the urine. Alternatively, some kits offer a test strip that you hold under your stream of urine. To improve accuracy of results, it is best to test your urine when you first get out of bed. Early morning urine is concentrated and contains higher levels of hCG than at other times of the day. Most test strips indicate the presence of hCG by the appearance of a coloured line or dot. Results are rapid.