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How to use a home pregnancy test

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The first step in using a home pregnancy test (HPT) is in reading the directions. Each test is a little different and you need to know how the manufacturer wants you to use it. Almost all HPTs will have a toll free phone number printed either on the packaging or in the instructions for you to call. Have this number handy just in case you have a question about the result or about how to do the test.

Most HPTs are either the stick or cassette type. Both require you to use first morning urine. The stick kind can be placed in your urine stream for a few seconds, usually 5 to 10 to get the result, or you can urinate into a container and dip the stick in for 10 to 15 seconds. When using your urine stream, you should first urinate a little and then place the test into your stream. This is called midstream urine and is usually recommended by the testing company in the instructions. Once you have urinated on the test, replace the cap and set the test down on a level surface. Most tests require you to wait between 3 and 5 minutes before reading the results. Do not wait longer then the time required, or you may see an evaporation line.

The cassette type requires you to urinate in a cup and then use a dropper to place the required amount of urine in the test area of the cassette. Again you should use midstream urine. The waiting time is about the same as for the stick tests and again, the results should not be viewed after the required amount of time has passed.

Either the stick or cassette test should be performed with first morning urine, but many tests state that you can test at any time. If you do not test with first morning urine, hold your urine for at least four hours before testing and do not drink any liquids more than you normally would as this may give you a false negative reading on the test.

Make sure that you know what the difference is between a positive result and a negative. If you believe that your result is incorrect call the manufacturer with the lot number of the test that you purchased. If you have tested and your result was negative, and you believe that you are indeed pregnant, retest in two days with the same brand of test. If the second result is again negative, and you are still sure that you are pregnant, call your doctor to have a blood test done.

All information contained in this web site is for informational purposes only.
Do not consider the information herein to be of a diagnostic nature.
Always consult your health care professional if you have any health concerns.