pregnancy questions

Home Pregnancy Tests

Home pregnancy testing is the fastest and most private way to find out if you are pregnant. Test kits can be purchased in any drug store and in many grocery stores. You do not need a doctor's prescription to purchase the kit. Home pregnancy testing kits are inexpensive and are dependable if used correctly. Many at-home pregnancy tests can be used as early as the first day of a missed period. Home pregnancy tests are very reliable when the directions are followed exactly. Sometimes a test is taken a little too early and a negative result is obtained, even though the woman is pregnant. For this reason, it's a good idea to repeat the test if your period has not started within a week.

To get the most accurate results when using an at-home pregnancy test follow these testing tips:

• Check the pregnancy test box for the expiration date. If the date has passed, buy a different test kit.
• After you purchase the test kit, make sure that you store it at the proper temperature - not too hot and not too cold. Read the storage instructions printed on the kit.
• Follow the timing instructions very carefully. Timing can affect the accuracy of test results.
• Read all instructions included with the test kit before you start to perform the test.
• Start the test immediately after you collect your urine. You can also refrigerate your urine and start the test later, but be very sure that you allow the urine to reach room temperature again before you start the test.
• Do not consume large amounts of fluid prior to collecting your urine. This can give inaccurate test results.
• Most kits include a toll-free phone number for assistance with questions about test directions and test results.

Here are some pregnancy testing kits currently on the market. For each testing kit we have included:

• the number of days after a missed period you should wait before conducting the test
• the number of steps you must go through to complete the test
• the time of day you should collect your urine
• the time it takes to process your urine for test results
• a toll-free number to call for questions regarding the test directions