How to use a home pregnancy test
Every woman has an innate instinct that tells them they may be pregnant. Thanks to developments in science today, a pregnancy test can be taken at home, following which you go ahead with a blood or urine test.
If this is your first pregnancy you may need help in learning how to use a home pregnancy test. The first step is to buy when. Ideally purchase one from a larger store where you are likely to get a fresher test.
Check the expiration date. In case you keep a pregnancy test at home, then make sure that it is not damaged or moist in any way. Buy a new one if you have any doubts.
Once you are ready to take the test, read the instructions on the packaging careful. The way you use the test can vary with each brand. There will also be instructions on interpreting the results of the test. Now for the test itself; wash your hands thoroughly with soap and preferably warm water. Take the testing apparatus out of its foil wrapper.
Now there are generally two ways to use the test. One may require you to urinate directly on to the test strip. If this is the case, pee a little first and then put the test side of the strip into your urine stream.
The mid-stream of your urine is the best for a home pregnancy test. The other is to collect your urine in a sterilized cup and use a dropper to put an indicated number of drops onto the test strip. If there is no dropper, dip the test side of the strip into the urine and hold it there for the indicated amount of time.
Each product will determine the waiting time for the results to appear. This can range anywhere from a minute to five. As your urine is being analyzed, the control window may change shades, it may also develop a line to ascertain the validity of the test.
The results will appear in a separate or sometimes the same window. Depending on the product you use you might see a line in pink or blue, or single line for not pregnant and double for the other.
It could also be a red plus or minus sign or even the words pregnant or not pregnant. This makes it essential that you check the packaging on how to interpret the results.
Should the test be negative and you still don’t have a period soon, take the test again after a week. These tests work on the basis of increase of hCG when you are pregnant. This can take a few days to manifest itself and so a retest would be ideal.
