How do home pregnancy tests work?

Home pregnancy tests work by detecting the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin, in the urine. The hormone is secreted once the egg has been fertilised in order to prepare the body for pregnancy.

Blood tests work in a similar way but they test for HCG in the bloodstream rather than the urine.

FAQ:

Pregnancy Testing FAQs

• Q1. How soon can I get an accurate result?
• Q2. What happens if the urine test is positive but the blood test is negative?
• Q3. Can blood tests be wrong?
• Q4. What are the common signs of pregnancy?
• Q5. How common are false positive results?
• Q6. When can I do a pregnancy test if I’ve had fertility treatment?
• Q7. How do home pregnancy tests work?
• Q8. Is a blood test more reliable than a home urine test?
• Q9. What does a faint line mean?
• Q10. Why is my period late if I’m not pregnant?

• Q11. Will using contraception alter the result of a fertility test?
• Q12. How do I do a home pregnancy test?
• Q13. How common are false negative results?
• Q14. How soon can I take a pregnancy test after a positive result from an ovulation test?
• Q15. Can I do a pregnancy test before my period is due?
• Q16. What should I do if my test is positive?
• Q17. Do drugs and medication affect pregnancy test results?
• Q18. What should I do if I have pregnancy symptoms but my test was negative?