Home Pregnancy Tests
Photo: Getty Images
Home pregnancy tests are urine tests that check if there is human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (HCG) present in the urine. If there is, it usually means you are pregnant.
Pregnancy tests come in varying varieties.
HCG Strips
The most basic type of pregnancy test is a simple strip of paper that you dip into a sample of urine. The strip of paper then changes color if you are pregnant. Some HCG strips have a one line result if you aren’t pregnant and a two line result if you are. These types of tests are the cheapest available and you can buy them in bulk packs from online pharmacies for as little as a few cents each. If you are on a budget this is an ideal option.
Mid-stream Tests
These are test strips encased in a plastic cover and have two result windows. You put the test stick into the urine stream while you are emptying your bladder and after a minute or two a line appears in one window to show the test is working. If you are pregnant, a second line will appear in the second window.
Cassette Tests
Cassette pregnancy tests are HCG strips encased in a cassette shaped plastic cover with two result windows and a sample window. The test comes with a pipette to drop a tiny sample of urine into the sample window. If you are pregnant, two lines will appear, one to show the test is working and another to confirm pregnancy.
Some tests show a cross for pregnancy instead of two lines. The lines may be pink or blue depending on the brand.
Digital Pregnancy Tests
These are the most expensive pregnancy tests but also the easiest to understand. Instead of having lines or crosses to diagnose pregnancy, the words and ‘Pregnant’ or ‘Not Pregnant’ will appear in the result window. If you are pregnant, some digital tests can also inform you how long ago you conceived by showing 1-2 for one to two weeks ago, 2-3 for two to three weeks ago and 3+ for more than three weeks ago.
Early Pregnancy Tests
These urine tests can detect levels of HCG lower than 10miu, associated with very early pregnancy and so can sometimes identify a pregnancy before other tests can.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a CommentComments
There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!