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The FAQs on HPTs

Home Pregnancy Test Basics

Since the introduction in 1977, home pregnancy testing has become quite a reliable way to confirm a pregnancy. Some couples will doubt other pregnancy symptoms, such as a missed period, tender breasts, fatigue and even woman's intuition until a pregnancy test confirms their suspicions. If you are trying to conceive, you may want to familiarize yourself with the home pregnancy tests (commonly referred to as "HPTs") available to you.

After the embryo attaches to the uterine wall the newly formed placenta produces "the pregnancy hormone" hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). Home pregnancy tests contain monoclonal antibodies, which are molecules coated with a substance that bonds to hCG. If hCG is detected, the test reacts with a positive sign (which is different for each test - it could be a line, dot or symbol). Home pregnancy tests also contain a "control" window that shows you if the test has worked properly.

The majority of home pregnancy tests on the market allow you to test as soon as the first day of your missed period, or any day thereafter. While many women will have enough hCG in their system to get a positive result, it is also possible to get a false negative this early. In contrast, some women can get a positive result before their period is even due, as early as 10 days past ovulation. Some manufacturers recommend waiting 14 to 16 days past ovulation. As pregnancy tests become more sensitive, early detection of hCG becomes possible.

The majority of the brands on the market today boast a high 99 percent accuracy rate. Each brand has a "trade secret" chemical formula for the bonding substance that reveal the pregnancy hormone, but the majority of the brands available on the market are very similar. Sensitivity also varies among brands; Fact Plus, for example, detects much higher amounts of hCG when compared to the other brands. Ease of use, sensitivity and safeguards against human error are attributes to look for when choosing a home pregnancy test. If you are unsure about which brand to use, ask your pharmacist or health care provider.

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