Pregnancy Tests

A pregnancy test is a simple and reliable way to detect early pregnancy by identifying the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) in the body, which begins to be produced following the implantation of a fertilised egg in the uterus. The test can be carried out at home or at a healthcare facility.

What is the hCG hormone?

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy and secreted by the placenta. Its levels begin to rise approximately 6–10 days after fertilisation, once the embryo has implanted in the uterus. It is the detection of this hormone that allows pregnancy to be reliably confirmed.

What types of pregnancy tests are there?

• Urine test – most commonly carried out at home, easy to use, quick and available without a prescription;
• Blood test – carried out at a healthcare facility; allows for a more accurate and earlier diagnosis of pregnancy and assessment of hCG levels;
• Ultrasound scan – used to confirm pregnancy and monitor its progress at a later stage.

When is the best time to take a pregnancy test?

• The most reliable time is on the first day of a missed period;
• The test may be positive as early as 7–10 days after conception;
• A test taken too early may give a false-negative result;
• It is recommended to take the test in the morning, using the first urine of the day;
• If the result is negative but your period has not started, it is worth repeating the test after a few days.

How does a pregnancy test work?

The test detects the hCG hormone in urine or blood:

• A positive result indicates the presence of hCG in the body and a probable pregnancy;
• A negative result may mean that you are not pregnant or that the test was taken too early.

Home tests use a special test strip that reacts to the level of the hormone and displays the result (as lines, symbols or text).

How to carry out the test correctly?

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully;
• Carry out the test as directed;
• Only read the result after the specified time (usually after a few minutes);
• Do not read the result too late – it may be inaccurate.

What can affect the result?

Most pregnancy tests do not require you to avoid certain activities or change your lifestyle. The only medication that may affect the results is fertility treatment containing hCG. To ensure the most accurate result, it is recommended that you follow these tips:

• Take the test after a missed period;
• Do not drink too much fluid before the test;
• If you are unsure about the result, repeat the test or consult your doctor;
• Even a faint line usually indicates a positive result.

How accurate are pregnancy tests?

When used correctly, pregnancy tests are around 99 per cent accurate.

How common are false results from pregnancy tests?

False results from pregnancy tests are rare, but they are usually due to the test being carried out incorrectly or too early.

• A false-negative result is most commonly obtained when the test is carried out too early and the level of the hCG hormone is still too low to be detected. Inaccuracies may also occur if the test is not used in accordance with the instructions (e.g. an insufficient urine sample or incorrect timing when reading the results);
• A false-positive result is extremely rare, but may be associated with the use of certain medicines (particularly those containing hCG) or specific medical conditions.

Which type of pregnancy test is most reliable for confirming pregnancy?

A blood test is the most reliable way to confirm pregnancy, as it can detect lower levels of hCG compared to a urine-based test.

What should you do when you get the result?

• Positive result – contact your doctor to confirm the pregnancy and arrange antenatal care;
• Negative result but your period has not started – repeat the test;
• Unclear results – a blood test to measure hCG is recommended.