How long does it take for a pregnancy test to produce results?
Pregnancy is a very exciting time for many women, but before you can confirm it, you need to take a pregnancy test. So, how long does it take for a pregnancy test to produce results? Here\’s some information so you can learn more.
How pregnancy tests work
Everyone\’s body has different hormone levels. During pregnancy, a woman\’s body produces a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). This hormone appears early in pregnancy. A pregnancy test works by detecting whether there are adequate levels of HCG in your urine or blood.
Urine test
Pregnancy test is a very easy and simple way to test. Tests approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can be purchased from pharmacies or online stores, or you can get tested at your doctor\’s office. Typically, you simply soak a test strip with a urine sample or insert a test stick into the tester.
The best time to test is when you miss the expected first day of your period. If you have irregular menstrual cycles, you can wait until 1 week after your expected period before taking the test. Depending on the brand tested, test results usually appear within minutes.
Blood test
A blood test is a more accurate way to detect pregnancy. This test is usually performed by your doctor (through a vein or finger stick) and confirms pregnancy by measuring HCG levels in the blood. Blood tests are generally available starting 7 days after conception. Depending on the laboratory, test results need to wait 1-2 days for accurate results.
Wrong results
While pregnancy tests can easily detect pregnancy, false test results are common. Reasons why erroneous test results may occur are:
Test in advance
If you take the test early in pregnancy, the HCG levels may not be high enough to be detected. It usually takes longer to get accurate results.
In case of illness
Some diseases and medications can raise your HCG levels, causing false test results. For these cases, doctors will need to perform further tests to get more accurate results.
Wrong test method
If you don\’t do the test the right way, the results may also be wrong. Therefore, always follow the instructions in the manual.
Summary
A pregnancy test can usually be done on the first day of your missed menstrual period. You can use an FDA-approved test or go to your doctor\’s office for a test to get more accurate results. The higher the HCG level, the more likely the test results are to be accurate. However, erroneous test results are common, so it is important to clearly understand the principles and precautions of the test. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your doctor.
