Frequently Asked Questions

1. If the test is negative, is it still possible that I could be pregnant?

Yes. It is quite possible for you to be pregnant because you might have done the test in very early pregnancy. At this stage hCG might not be high enough in the urine to give a positive result.

If you still suspect pregnancy repeat the test a week later because by that time the hCG production increases.

Similarly if you perform the test after drinking lots of liquids, the dilute urine can give a negative pregnancy test even if you are pregnant.

2. Can fertility medications interfere with the results of the test?

Medications that do not contain hCG will not interfere with the result. If you had an hCG injection, wait for at least 2 weeks before you take this test

3. Can oral contraceptives interfere with the test results?

No. Oral contraceptives do not interfere with the results of the home pregnancy test results.

4. How accurate are home pregnancy tests?

Home pregnancy tests are about 97% to 99% accurate. The accuracy varies with the brand and usage.

5. Is the home pregnancy test similar to the ones used in clinics and hospitals?

Some clinics and hospitals use a similar kit to detect pregnancy. Others look for the hormone hCG in the blood.

6. When should I do the test if I have irregular periods?

If you have irregular periods there is a possibility that you might test too soon to be accurate. In such cases wait for a number of days equal to the longest cycle in the last 6 months before doing the test. If the test is negative, you might have to repeat the test after a week.

Published on Sep 26, 2014
Last Updated on Jan 13, 2020

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APA

Dr. Trupti Shirole. (2020, January 13). Home Pregnancy Test - Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ's . Medindia. Retrieved on May 25, 2022 from https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/home-pregnancy-test-faq.htm.
MLA

Dr. Trupti Shirole. "Home Pregnancy Test - Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ's ". Medindia. May 25, 2022. <https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/home-pregnancy-test-faq.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Trupti Shirole. "Home Pregnancy Test - Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ's ". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/home-pregnancy-test-faq.htm. (accessed May 25, 2022).
Harvard
Dr. Trupti Shirole. 2021. Home Pregnancy Test - Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ's . Medindia, viewed May 25, 2022, https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/home-pregnancy-test-faq.htm.