A complete guide to pregnancy testing: how it works, the type and results

Taking a pregnancy test is the best way to make sure you are pregnant or not. Here are some common questions about pregnancy tests that you may not have known about before.

What is a pregnancy test and how does it work?

Pregnancy tests are designed medically to detect chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels, human hormones in urine or blood. The hCG hormone is a hormone produced by a woman's body after fertilization in an egg that has been successfully implanted into the uterine wall.

This hormone will usually be produced by the body about 6 days after fertilization. If you are pregnant, hCG levels will continue to rapidly increase to double over the next 2-3 days.

Type of pregnancy test

In general, two types of pregnancy tests can be done. Here are two pregnancy tests:

1. Urine test

Urine tests are a common method for pregnancy tests that are available on the market and can be done as quickly as possible at home using a test kit.

A pregnancy test with urine analysis is often the first choice for testing a pregnancy, usually packed with clear instructions for use. Use this pregnancy test according to the instructions to be used for more accurate results.

2. Blood Test

Blood tests are generally done in a doctor's or hospital practice, but they are rarely performed than urine tests. Blood tests can detect pregnancy early but take longer to find out the results.

Blood tests can be done about 6-8 days after ovulation. Blood tests are more accurate because they are able to detect hCG hormones qualitatively (presence of hCG hormones) and also quantitatively (certainty of the amount of hormones even in low amounts though).

Ensuring Pregnancy Test Accuracy

For pregnancy tests with urine samples using a test pack, claims of accuracy are estimated at 99% and can be obtained if you follow these steps:

Results will be more accurate if you use urine for the first time in the morning because it is denser in concentration
Ensure all procedures have been carried out according to instructions for use
Fertilization has lasted at least 3-4 days
Using a quality test pack

How to Read Test Pack Results

Pregnancy inspection procedures at home with a pregnancy test (test pack) is usually very easy to do. Here's how to use a test pack:

Catch urine in the morning in a container
Dip the test pack according to the right method and duration
Lift the test pack to read the results.

How about reading the test pack results? This depends on the pregnancy test kit used because the method can vary, for example with a line system, the + or - symbol, until the word "pregnant" or "positive" appears in the digital pregnancy test.

In general, here are two results that can appear from your pregnancy test:

1. Negative / Not Pregnant / 1 Line

You may not be pregnant, unless the following happens:

The test pack is damaged or has passed its expiration date
You did not follow the instructions for use
You are trying too early (conception has not yet occurred)
Urine is too runny (for example, just consuming large amounts of fluid)
There are effects of certain drugs

To confirm the pregnancy, please try again after a few days or contact a doctor for further consultation.

2. Positive / Pregnant / 2 Lines

Congratulations you are pregnant! Your pregnancy can be ascertained by almost 100% even if the results of the lines appear faded or faint, unless you are under the influence of certain drugs that can affect blood or protein levels.

Follow up on your pregnancy test results by visiting an obstetrician to ensure pregnancy and get the best prenatal care.