Taking a pregnancy test? Make sure to steer clear of these typical errors.
When conducting a home pregnancy test, emotions are likely to be heightened, considering it’s a pivotal moment. However, exercising caution is crucial to avoid errors that might result in a misleading false negative or false positive outcome. User error stands as the primary factor contributing to inaccurate pregnancy test results.
Fortunately, home pregnancy tests are generally reliable, boasting a claimed accuracy of 99 percent, provided they are used correctly. To ensure accurate results, it’s essential to avoid certain missteps when taking a pregnancy test.
Don’t test too soon
Avoid testing too soon, as the timing is crucial for trustworthy results. The pregnancy hormone hCG is produced by the body only after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Taking the test prematurely can lead to a false negative outcome, as hCG levels may not be sufficiently high to be detected. Testing very early could also yield a false positive result in cases of chemical pregnancies or extremely early miscarriages.
Ideally, waiting until a week after a missed period provides the most accurate results. However, a correct reading can often be obtained sooner. Doctors suggests that the first day of a missed period is generally the earliest recommended time to test, with one day before also considered acceptable. For individuals with irregular periods, it’s advisable to wait until 36 days after the last period for testing.
Don’t trust results if you’re testing late
If you’ve gone without a period for an extended period and suspect pregnancy, be cautious about home pregnancy test outcomes, as they may produce false negatives. Home pregnancy tests lose accuracy after the first trimester, as they may not detect the specific version of the hCG hormone present in the body at that stage. For definitive results, scheduling a doctor’s appointment for a blood pregnancy test is recommended.
Don’t use an expired test
Before using a home pregnancy test that has been stored in your medicine cabinet for an extended period, it’s crucial to verify the expiration date. If the test is past its expiration date, refrain from using it, as it may provide unreliable results.
Such situations are not uncommon.
Don’t test later in the day
Certainly, you can perform a pregnancy test in the afternoon, especially if you’ve waited until after a missed period when hCG levels tend to be higher. However, the optimal time for testing is in the morning, immediately after waking up.
This is because your urine contains a higher concentration of the pregnancy hormone hCG during the first morning urination. As the day progresses, there’s a greater likelihood of obtaining a false negative result, particularly if it’s soon after your missed period. If you choose to conduct the test in the afternoon, it’s advisable to wait at least three hours after your last urination.
Don’t chug water before you test
Consuming a significant amount of water before undergoing a pregnancy test can dilute your urine, reducing the concentration of hCG and potentially leading to a false negative result. While it’s essential to stay hydrated and drink water as needed throughout the day, it’s advisable to avoid consuming a large amount of water just before the test.
Don’t worry about peeing too much on the stick
Managing the flow of urine while using a testing strip can be challenging, and there might be concerns about saturating the strip and compromising the results. Fortunately, testing companies address this issue by incorporating a control line in pregnancy tests. The presence of the control line serves as an indicator of whether the test was conducted correctly. If the control line fails to appear within the specified time frame outlined in the test instructions, it is recommended to take another test.
Don’t lose track of time
If you interpret the results after an extended period, you might encounter an evaporation line that can be mistaken for a faint line on a pregnancy test.
Experts highlights that a common cause of false positive results is a lack of understanding in correctly interpreting home test results.
Conversely, reading the results too early can lead to a false negative. Therefore, it is advisable to set a timer and adhere to the time duration recommended in the test’s instructions for accurate interpretation.
Don’t forget the impact of other medications
The majority of commonly used medications, such as antibiotics, contraceptives, and pain relievers, are unlikely to influence the results of a home pregnancy test. The only medications that can potentially affect the outcome are those containing hCG, primarily present in hormone injections used for fertility treatments. To ensure accurate results, it is recommended to consult with your doctor and inquire about the presence of hCG in any medications you may be taking.
If you are undergoing fertility treatment that includes medications containing hCG, discuss with your doctor the recommended waiting period before taking a home pregnancy test to allow the drug to clear from your urine. Most doctors advises waiting at least two weeks, as the substance typically clears from the system during this timeframe following the injection.
Don’t drink alcohol
Consuming alcohol won’t affect the results of your pregnancy test. However, if you suspect you might be pregnant, it’s crucial to cease alcohol and drug use as these substances can pose risks to your unborn child.
If you’re on prescription medication, it’s not advisable to stop abruptly. Instead, contact your healthcare provider to discuss the safety of your medications during pregnancy. If necessary, your doctor can explore alternative options and guide you through a safe transition or gradual reduction of your current medication.
In cases where you’ve followed all the steps correctly and remain uncertain about the accuracy of your pregnancy test results, doctors suggests waiting a few days and retesting. Incorrectly estimating your period, especially if it tends to be irregular, could be a factor. Additionally, you can schedule an appointment with your doctor or visit a public health clinic for a blood pregnancy test, which provides precise and conclusive results.
