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The Use Of A Home Pregnancy Test
By Wendy Simons

A home pregnancy test is a fairly accurate over-the-counter medical tool that is designed for one specific purpose. That purpose is to test the urine of a woman to determine if there is evidence of a certain hormone within the fluid.

The hormone that the home pregnancy test reacts to is the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is only present within the body of a female when a fertilized egg has implanted itself on the walls of the uterus. Normally, this hormone is present, on the average, after six days following the actual conception of the egg. Therefore, to ensure accuracy, it is important to wait for a certain time period to pass, following a missed period, to take the home pregnancy test.

Two Types Of Pregnancy Tests

Available on the market today are two types of pregnancy tests. Both tests are designed to respond to the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone. However, one test is designed to check the blood of the woman while the other test is designed to evaluate the woman's urine. If a woman wishes to determine if she is pregnant or not by utilizing a blood test, then she will need to have that blood drawn and tested by a professional.

However, the convenience of knowing right away and performing this test in the privacy of one's own home can be accomplished by purchasing a home pregnancy test. This test will allow the woman to test her urine for hCG. If a woman chooses to take this home pregnancy test, it is recommended that this test be taken in two weeks following her missed period.

Home Pregnancy Test Procedure

There are many home pregnancy test products available on the market today. Generally, these tests are easy to use to gain accurate results. However, the process in determining the results is not standardized. Therefore, the directions on how to use the home pregnancy test should be followed explicitly so that accurate results can be attained.

For example, most home pregnancy tests instruct the individual to allow the enclosed testing stick to come in contact with the urine stream. Other home pregnancy tests require the user to collect a urine sample and then immerse the stick into that sample to obtain the results.

Once the test strip has come in contact with the urine, many of the home pregnancy tests require the individual to wait for a few minutes. The indicator is easy to read and, generally, a plus sign or a line in the window indicates that a woman is pregnant.

Another feature that may be included in the home pregnancy test is a control mechanism. This indicates to the individual that the home pregnancy test is functioning properly. This ensures that the test that is performed is accurate. Often this control feature will portray some type of character or symbol.

If Negative

It is important to understand that even though the home pregnancy test may indicate a negative result, this may not be conclusive. It is possible that the appropriate amount of time has not passed to indicate the presence of the hormone in the urine.

That is why many of the home pregnancy tests suggest strongly that an additional test be taken within a few days. This recommendation is standard whether the test is deemed as positive or negative. As always, with any medical condition or possible medical condition, that you be seen by a qualified medical professional.

Author Details:
Wendy Simons, copywriter for various websites about health and beauty she also makes contributions to the A-Z of.com.

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