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No need to study for this test
Over the last decade, home pregnancy kits have become a standard feature in households across the country. Nearly a third of all women who think they may be pregnant say they have used some form of home test to know for sure. The tests are also a valuable medical tool, allowing women to know quickly that they are carrying a child, so they can adjust their social behavior and any medicines they may be taking so as not to harm the fetus. We've also heard of couples who framed the little "+" stick. Talk about sentimental.
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Are You or Aren't You?
Many women in the United States use home pregnancy tests as their first indication of whether or not they are pregnant. Home pregnancy tests have gotten easier to use and somewhat cheaper, making them extremely cost-effective and convenient. And when used properly, they are extremely accurate.
Human error in the use of home pregnancy tests is very common, so read instructions carefully and remember to wait a few days until after your missed period before you perform the test. When choosing a test, remember that the fewer the steps, the less chance for error on your part.
In general, generic tests are just as good as brand names. These days, you can even buy pregnancy tests in multiples.
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The Importance of Pregnancy Tests
- Pregnancy tests determine whether a woman is pregnant.
- They can help you make very important choices, such as the decision to see a doctor immediately to begin a prenatal health care regimen or to consider other options.
How Does a Pregnancy Test Work?
- Home pregnancy tests detect the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone produced by a fertilized egg, in urine. Its presence signals a positive result.
- HCG is detectable one to two weeks after conception, which is why many tests require you to wait at least one week after your missed period before performing them.
- Home pregnancy tests consist of test strips that react with HCG in the urine and change color. The lack of HCG will not produce a color change, or it will produce a particular pattern (such as a minus sign) on the test strip.
- Most home pregnancy tests also have a control test to help you make sure that the test itself is not defective. Read the directions carefully before beginning the test so that you can understand both the control window and the test window.
How Does It Differ From a Test at the Doctor's Office?
- Both the at-home pregnancy test and the test done by your doctor via a clinical laboratory test for the presence of HCG. However, clinical laboratory tests also test for the presence of HCG in the blood serum. Further, a clinical lab test determines HCG presence in a more sophisticated manner, by using an enzyme immunoassay.
Check Your Test Before You Use It
- Check the expiration date on the box. Outdated tests may not work properly.
- Follow storage information. Excesses of temperature, such as a hot car trunk or a sunny window, may affect the integrity of the chemicals essential for the accuracy of the test.
- Always follow the timing instructions appropriate to each particular product. Products vary in their timing methods, so with each new test, familiarize yourself with the timing required before starting the test. Not waiting long enough or waiting too long can affect the accuracy of your results.
Pre-Test Precautions
- Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids prior to taking the test. Fluids can dilute hormone levels in urine.
- Always use the urine collection device provided by the kit. Waxed cups and soap residue from washed receptacles can interfere with the test.
Performing the Test
- Take the test first thing in the morning. This is when HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels are the highest.
- Test the urine sample immediately after collection. If you must refrigerate urine for later testing, allow the urine to return to room temperature before testing. Refrigerated urine can return false negative results.
- Upon receiving a positive result, consult a doctor immediately.
- In the interim, you should assume that a positive result from a home pregnancy kit means that you are pregnant and take the necessary precautions.
- Upon receiving a negative result, think back over your methods and try to identify any sources of error. The more steps a test involves, the more chances for error.
- Wait the number of days suggested by the manufacturer before performing a second test. If your second test is also negative and your period is still late, consult a doctor.
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Tips and Things to Keep in Mind
- More than half of all miscarriages go undetected because they occur during the first month of pregnancy. It is important to keep in mind that pregnancies detected very early may miscarry soon after the test delivers a positive result.
- Women who are trying to get pregnant and are taking fertility drugs should remember that drugs containing HCG may give false positive results. Not all fertility drugs contain HCG, so consult your doctor.
- Women who have recently given birth or miscarried within the past month may have residual hormones in their bodies that may deliver a false positive result. In these cases, it is better to opt for a less-sensitive test.
- Discovering that you are pregnant can be a very emotional experience. Remember that you have many choices and be sure to explore all of them. Seek the attention of your healthcare provider and a counselor so that you may educate yourself about your choices.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Books
- 1. American Medical Association.The American Medical Association: Family Medical Guide. 3rd Ed. New York: Random House 1994.
- 2. Fauci, Anthony S. et al. Eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed. New York: MacGraw Hill 1998.
- 3. Segen, Joseph, and Joseph Stauffer.The Patient's Guide to Medical Tests: Everything you need to know about the tests your doctor prescribes. New York: Facts on File 1998.
- 4. Zaret, Barry L. Et al. The Yale University School of Medicine Patient's Guide to Medical Tests. New York: Houghton Mifflin 1997.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
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