HCG Pregnancy Rapid Tests: Why I Have Misjudgements?

If you suspect you may be pregnant, you can see your doctor (or a family planning clinic) for a pregnancy test. Your doctor may perform a pregnancy test on your blood or urine. Alternatively, you can buy a home pregnancy test kit from your pharmacist. In any case, you will eventually need to see your doctor. Pregnancy rapid test manufacturer WELL BIOTECH shares with you.

What is a pregnancy test?

During pregnancy, a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced, which circulates in the blood and is also present in the urine.

Pregnancy test kits detect the presence of hCG in the urine. this is a qualitative test. Most can detect hCG between the fourth and fifth week of your pregnancy. Although almost all over-the-counter pregnancy test kits detect pregnancy by measuring hCG in the urine, it is important that you read and carefully follow the instructions for the test kit, as the instructions vary from kit to kit.

Using a home pregnancy test

The sensitivity of home pregnancy tests to hCG varies. Home pregnancy tests are available from your pharmacist. These kits provide accurate readings (up to 97%) if the manufacturer's instructions are followed closely. Most test kits are best used within one to two weeks after your period is due. In general, most home pregnancy tests follow the same basic principles.

You collect your urine in a small container and then dip the test strip into the urine. Alternatively, some kits provide a test strip which you can place under the urine stream.

To improve the accuracy of your results, it is best to test your urine when you first wake up. Early morning urine is concentrated and contains higher levels of hCG than at other times of the day.

Reasons for misjudgements

However, many women who use a home pregnancy test get inaccurate results. You may wonder why your pregnancy testing is wrong. The most common mistake is to test for pregnancy too early after a missed period. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter. The following are some common causes.

False positive results

Sometimes a home pregnancy test may be positive when a woman is not pregnant. Common causes of false positive results include:

Ovarian tumours or other types of hCG-producing growths.

Dirty urine collection cups (detergent residues are known to cause false positive results).

Protein in the urine (from kidney damage).

Defective test kits (the kit is damaged, has exceeded its useful life or has been exposed to heat or humidity).

Certain medications, including anticonvulsants, some fertility drugs, diuretics (liquid pills) and tranquillisers.

Recent births or miscarriages, as a woman's blood and urine may still contain detectable levels of hCG after several weeks.

False negative results

Sometimes a woman may be pregnant, but the home test kit will give a negative result. Common causes of false negative results include:

The test was used incorrectly. You need to read the instructions carefully.

The test kit is used too early in pregnancy and the hCG level is too low to be detected. Most test kits should not be used until your period is at least 7 days late.

Incorrect test timing. Use a kitchen timer or a watch with a second hand to determine this.

The woman drank a large amount of fluid before being tested and diluted her urine to the point where the hCG level was undetectable.

Take care of your own body, ladies. Find a reliable pharmacy and buy the test kits you need. Contact us now to find more information about Women's Health.