Pregnancy Tests

While most tests are 99% accurate from the day your period is due, "Early Detection" tests can be used up to 6 days before your missed period. For the most reliable result, it is best to test with your first urine of the morning, as it contains the highest concentration of hCG. If you get a negative result but your period still hasn't arrived, wait three days and test again.

This depends on the type of test you use. On a traditional "line" test, any second line, no matter how faint, is considered a positive pregnancy test, provided it appeared within the timeframe stated in the instructions. Digital tests remove this ambiguity by displaying clear words such as "Pregnant" or "Not Pregnant." Tests with a "Conception Indicator" will also show an estimate of 1-2, 2-3, or 3+ weeks since you conceived.

A false positive pregnancy test is extremely rare because the tests are designed to react only to the hCG hormone. However, they can occur if you have recently had a miscarriage, are taking certain fertility medications containing hCG, or have specific rare medical conditions. "Evaporation lines" (faint lines that appear after the test's recommended reading time) are often mistaken for positives, so always check the result within the exact window specified (usually 3–5 minutes).