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How can I make sure I get the best results using a pregnancy test?

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Having a clear knowledge of how pregnancy tests work can help you get the best results. The test detects the pregnancy hormone: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. There is a variation of this hormone called as hyperglycosylated hCG (H-hCG). These are detected by some tests. H-hCG starts to be released sometime after fertilization while the regular hCG is produced only after an embryo implants into the endometrium. Normally a woman’s level of H-hCG is higher than hCG. If a pregnancy test detects H-hCG, you are more likely to get an early positive result. But then the most pregnancy tests on the market are not good at detecting H-hCG.

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What you need to know

You can use a home pregnancy test to figure out if you could be pregnant. This test is pretty simple to use but it is equally important that you carefully read all the directions that this attached with the pregnancy test. As the best results of pregnancy tests depends on how accurately you follow the directions and get the results.

Most pregnancy tests have the same ability to detect hCG which is known as their sensitivity. Most tests can detect hCG levels at the 20mIU/ hCG (mIU is a level of measurement). Generally, the instructions tell you the sensitivity levels of the pregnancy test. A good thumb rule is to wait at about 21 days that is 3 weeks from the last unprotected sex you had or at least one day after a missed period.

The things you will need to conduct the pregnancy test are: a home pregnancy test kit, a timer and a clean collection cup.

•First, read all the directions carefully.

•To get the best results, plan to take the test with your first morning urine as this is more concentrated and will have a higher amount of hCG in it.

•Clean your hands with warm water and soap •Depending on the pregnancy test, you can pee directly on to the pregnancy test stick or in a collection cup

•If you have collected in a cup, dip the absorbent end of the pregnancy test into the cup of urine and hold in place for whatever time it says in the directions. •Once the instructed time has passed, you can check the results

•The shapes or symbols you should be looking for if you are pregnant are: A blue or pink line; a color change in the urine; a red plus or minus sign; the words ‘pregnant’ or ‘not pregnant'

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

 

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