Caitlain's Corner

Sex Education

Home Pregnancy Tests

Home Pregnancy Tests

With the advent of the Home Pregnancy Test (HPT), it is now possible for a girl to determine whether or not she might be pregnant in the privacy of her own home. Ten years ago, this was not possible.

Here are some guidelines on how to use HPTs correctly.

Where can I get HPTs? How much do they cost? Do I need a prescription for one?

You should be able to find HPTs at any pharmacy, WalMart or similar store, and even in many larger supermarkets in the pharmacy sections. They typically sell for around $8 - $15 for a single test.

Make sure you look at the expiration date printed on the box before you buy it. You do not need a prescription to buy an HPT.

How do HPTs work?

When implantation occurs, the body begins to produce a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The tests check for the presence of this hormone in the urine.

When Can I use an HPT?

Most HPTs can detect the hCG antibody in urine around 7-10 days after conception. You’ll get the most accurate reading from the first day to one week after your expected period was to begin, however.

How do I use the HPT?

The best thing to do is to read the directions on the test you buy. There are several different brands and types, and each is slightly different in how they are used. Every package will have a phone number for a help desk to contact if you have any questions about the specific test and its results.

All suggest that you test yourself with your first urination in the morning after you get up. If you are using the stick kind, begin urinating, and insert the stick into the urine stream after about 2 or 3 seconds, and keep it in the stream for 5-10 seconds. Put the stick on a flat surface and wait the 3-5 minutes for the test results.

If you’re using the reader type, urinate into a cup (again, using midstream urine) and use a dropper to drop a drip of the urine onto the reader’s results window. Wait the 3-5 minutes for the results of the test.

If your test is negative, but you are not completely confident in the results, or if you still believe you are pregnant, perform another test a couple of days later. Only a blood test and examination performed in a physician’s office can ascertain for certain whether you are pregnant or not.

How accurate are the HPTs?

The test manufacturers claim an accuracy level of between 97-99%. This assumes that the test is performed accurately. Different bodies produce varying levels of hormones, however, so some tests may have trouble picking up faint amounts in the earlier stages of pregnancy.

Is it possible to be pregnant even if you get a negative reading on the HPT?

Yes! Make sure you test after the required number of day (if you know or suspect you know when conception occurred). Test again a week later if you still believe you are pregnant. And, of course, as indicated above, only a blood test will allow you to know for sure (until you begin to show, of course!)

Is it possible I am NOT pregnant even though the test says I am?

Yes. Again, if you are unsure, or want to verify, use a second test. If you’re still unsatisfied, the only way you’ll know for sure is to go to a doctor’s office or clinic for a blood test and exam. Almost 50% of first time pregnancies are miscarried very early on, and the body will still be producing hCG, so this might be the reason for the positive result as well.

If I have a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) or yeast infection, will it interfere with results?

No.

Will drugs or alcohol interfere with the results of the test?

No.

I’ve tested with two different tests and gotten mixed results. What now?

Call your doctor or clinic and schedule an appointment for a blood test.