How to get the most accurate pregnancy test results

It’s normal to have a lot of questions when you think you may be pregnant.

• When is the best time to take a home pregnancy test?
• Which brand of test is the most accurate or reliable?
• How can you be sure you're reading the results correctly?
• Does it matter what time of day you take the test?
• What are the next steps after a positive test result?

It can all feel a little overwhelming.

Amy Latyak, BSN, RN, CCE, CBC, a Penn Medicine childbirth education program coordinator at Chester County Hospital, is breaking it all down, so people feel more confident when approaching what can be a very emotional time.

When to take a pregnancy test

“If you think you might be pregnant, you shouldn’t test before the first day after your missed period,” said Latyak. “If you take a pregnancy test too early, the results may not be as accurate. You could get a false negative, meaning the test says you’re not pregnant when you really are.”

Waiting at least one week after the date of your missed period can provide the most accurate results.

Are all pregnancy tests the same?

When it comes to buying a pregnancy test, you might be surprised by the sheer number of options. You can look online at different reviews, or ask a loved one if they have a test they recommend, but here are a few things to keep in mind.

Choose a test that is sensitive enough to detect pregnancy early on and has clear instructions for use. No one wants to read through confusing instructions when all you want is a simple answer.

Some tests offer additional features, like digital displays or the ability to test earlier than other brands. Think about the features you actually need and your budget when choosing a test that is right for you.

Types of pregnancy tests

There are two main types of pregnancy tests: urine tests and blood tests. Urine tests are the most common and can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy or grocery store.

“This is typically the first kind of test you will take, because you can do it in your own home without making an appointment,” Latyak noted.

Blood tests, which must be done at your doctor’s office, are much less common. While they can detect pregnancy earlier than a urine test, you often have to wait longer for the lab results to come back and they may involve more cost than an over-the-counter urine test.

How a pregnancy test works

Throughout pregnancy, your body changes in many different ways, from the shape of your breasts to the hormones in your body. During the first two-and-a-half months of pregnancy, one specific hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) increases significantly.

Both urine and blood pregnancy tests measure the amount of hCG in your body to produce either a positive or a negative result. This is why if you take a pregnancy test too early, your body may not have produced enough hCG for the test to detect.

The best time of day to take a pregnancy test

Surprisingly, accuracy results may vary depending on the time of day you take a pregnancy test. For example, testing in the morning when there is more hCG in your urine, may give a more accurate result. But today’s pregnancy tests are very sensitive and can detect pregnancy hormones even in low concentrations.

How accurate are at-home pregnancy tests?

At-home pregnancy tests are very sensitive to the changing hormones in your body, so they can be very accurate. In fact, when the instructions are followed correctly—including allowing enough time before taking it and collecting the sample properly—at-home pregnancy tests are 97 to 99 percent accurate.

Next steps after a positive pregnancy test

After receiving a positive pregnancy test result, you may feel a mix of different emotions. You may be excited or nervous; happy or worried. You may want to tell everyone you know or you might want to keep it a secret for a while.

“Regardless of your initial emotions, it’s important to schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN or family medicine doctor since it can take a few weeks or so to get in,” said Latyak. “During this first appointment, your provider can confirm your pregnancy and talk to you about the next steps.”

Your provider can offer guidance on prenatal care, make referrals to other health-care providers, answer any questions you may have, and help you make informed and confident decisions about your pregnancy.