How to Ensure an Accurate Pregnancy Test

Expectant and non-expectant moms get very anxious – usually either caused by too much excitement or paranoia – once they start to experience some of the early pregnancy signs. And so they would rush in taking home pregnancy tests to get a confirmation. But is an early pregnancy test really accurate?

First, let’s talk about the accuracy level of home pregnancy tests (HPTs). HPTs measure the presence of pregnancy hormones also known as hCG in a woman’s urine. HCG is a hormone which is secreted by the placenta after fertilization has occurred. Most home pregnancy kit manufacturers and doctors recommend that you wait until the first day of your missed period before taking an HPT. However, there are a few tests which were especially designed to be more sensitive and can help you detect pregnancy even during its early stage.

The EPT pregnancy test, for instance, is said to be an error-proof kit. They come in two types – the Certainty Digital Home Pregnancy Test and the EPT +/- Home Pregnancy Test Kit. The Certainty EPT pregnancy test is said to offer unmistakable results. It uses a digital readout. It is very simple and easy to use. Unlike other HPTs, the Certainty kit can be taken on any time of the day and is guaranteed to offer 99% accuracy when taken on the first day of your missed period.

To use the EPT test, you need to do a four-step easy process. First, remove the cap. Insert your test strip into the holder. Second, place the absorbent tip under your urine stream or in a cup filled with fresh urine for about five to seven seconds. Wait for three minutes until your digital results are displayed.

The other type of EPT pregnancy kit is the EPT +/- HPT. To conduct a test, all you need to do is remove the cap. Second, place the absorbent tip in a cup of urine for about five to seven seconds then wait for two minutes until the results are displayed. This form of EPT test is also said to be 99% accurate and should be taken on the first day of your missed period.

If your EPT pregnancy test indicates that you are pregnant, be sure to see your physician as soon as you can. As mentioned, EPTs offer accurate pregnancy test so a “positive” is more likely to remain positive while a negative is more likely to remain negative as well. Most doctors still run another pregnancy test using your blood as specimen, to get a second confirmation. This is because, despite the effectiveness of the pregnancy kits that you use, other factors such as medication and fertility treatments can lead to false HPT results. Seeing your doctor is also important in order to get the proper prenatal care that your body and baby needs. Your doctor can give you advice as to what to do, which vitamins to take, what food to eat, etc.

So if you’re planning on taking a home pregnancy test at home – whether through the use of typical home pregnancy kits or through EPT kits – a visit to your doctor will always be the most accurate pregnancy test. Always check with your doctor to receive the most accurate results.