There are many home pregnancy tests available, which can make it difficult to choose the right one. Here are some tips to help you deal with inaccurate results and learn more about the accuracy of home pregnancy tests.

Home pregnancies tests can be as accurate as 99%

There are two types of home pregnancy test. Both tests for the presence or absence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine. One uses a dipstick or test strip in the urine stream while the other uses a cup with a test device.

Both of these tests are accurate to within 99% when performed in a laboratory setting such as at your doctor’s offices. Jane van Dis MD, FACOG is an OB-GYN who serves as the Maven Clinic’s medical director. However, accuracy drops when the tests are performed at home.

It can be difficult to interpret the results even if you follow the instructions correctly. A digital test that displays the results as “pregnant” and “not pregnant” is one way to avoid confusion. These tests are more costly than standard dipsticks or cups, which can cost up to $8 per test. However, the brand may vary.

It is also important to check if the test has expired. It is important to check whether the test has expired before you use it. The chemical that detects hCG won’t work after the expiration date. This will make it less accurate and more likely you will get a false-negative test.

Common causes for false results

False-negative results are when the test results are negative but you are still pregnant. This is often caused by a test that was taken too soon or incorrectly. Your hCG levels may not be high enough to detect in a urine sample. Kenneth Ward, a laboratory director, scientific advisor, and Predictive Laboratories medical geneticist, said this.

A more accurate reading will be obtained if you wait until the day before your missed period, or later. Also, it’s best to take the test early in the morning because your urine will likely contain more hCG due to being dehydrated.

False-positives are when your test results say you are pregnant but you are not. False-positives are rare but can also be caused by ovarian cancer. However, a more common cause is abnormal pregnancy which results in an early loss.

A false-positive can be caused by chemical pregnancies. This is because the pregnancy may produce a detectable amount of hCG but the embryo is miscarried or lost.

While most foods and common drugs won’t affect the test results, Ward warns that fertility medication that contain the hCG hormone for ovulation may cause a false positive.

A false-positive or false negative can also be caused by not being able to read the results within the time limit.

Ward states that if you wait too long you could have a negative turn or vice versa.

What should I do next

You can take another test if you receive a negative result. Your hCG levels should increase if you are early in your pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you think you might be pregnant but the tests continue to say otherwise.

Contact your doctor if you receive a positive result from a home test. This is the first step to determining if you are pregnant.

Ward states, “You must ensure that your test is followed-up by a continuous rise in hormone levels. You will want an early pregnancy ultrasound for confirmation.” “In a matter of weeks you will see the heartbeat which is the real confirmation. “

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