Understandably you might want the reassurance that the result is definitely correct and choose to do another time (or several times!). Read more: How accurate are cheap pregnancy tests? Should you retest?Īs above, pregnancy tests are very accurate and it is highly likely that the test is correct first time around providing you are following the instructions correctly. "It doesn’t matter what brand or price point your test is, they will still be up to 99 per cent accurate when you use them as long as you use them correctly," says Dr Cichi. "However, some cheaper pregnancy tests may not have as many features as the more expensive ones such as a better handle for convenient use and a shorter wait time."
Does it matter if the pregnancy test is cheap? However, a negative test result is less reliable." This could be because you don't follow instructions or that you do it too early e.g. just days after ovulation and you could get a false negative which means you will need to test again later. Pregnancy tests are usually 99% effective which is the same accuracy rate as most urine pregnancy tests performed in a doctor's office.Īccording to the NHS, a positive pregnancy test is "almost certainly correct. Generally, pregnancy tests are pretty much on the mark. However, for accurate results, it’s best to take a test when your period is due and of course if your period hasn’t arrived." How accurate are home pregnancy tests? Some pregnancy tests can be used from as early as 8 days after conception. "If you do not want to wait until your period, then you should wait at least 21 days after you’ve had sex. If you are pregnant your body needs time to develop the HCG hormone, so it can be detected," says Dr Cichi. "You should wait to take a pregnancy test until the week after your missed period for an accurate result as this is when the test will be most reliable. The strip then detects hCG and you will need to wait a certain amount of time before the results show in the test window. At-home pregnancy tests usually involve placing drops of urine onto a chemical strip or placing this strip into your urine. Home pregnancy tests involve urine look for how much hCG is present in your urine. This hormone is released when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of your uterus and when pregnancy begins," explains Dr Cichi. "Pregnancy tests essentially work by checking your urine for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is a hormone that your body only makes If your pregnant. We got the lowdown from Dr. Daniel Cichi, GP and medical advisor at Doctors 4 U and have selected the top pregnancy tests available to buy in the UK so you can know whether you're pregnant or not at the earliest possible opportunity. How early can home pregnancy tests show positive results?.Nothing can quite put your mind at ease like a pregnancy test, but which are the best pregnancy tests to buy in the UK? How long after sex does pregnancy occur?. Home pregnancy tests in the hands of the intended user. Rate of detection of unsuspected pregnancies after implementation of mandatory point-of-care urine pregnancy testing prior to hysterosalpingography. Prospective evaluation of luteal phase length and natural fertility. Human chorionic gonadotropin in pregnancy diagnostics. Montagnana M, Trenti T, Aloe R, Cervellin G, Lippi G. Pregnancy tests.Īmerican Pregnancy Association.
Pregnancy test timeline.Ĭleveland Clinic. Office of NIH History and Stetten Museum.
Planned Parenthood Federation of American.