How to use a pregnancy test kit

A home pregnancy kit is a straightforward approach that you can use to confirm your pregnancy at home. If you have decided to start a family and have been waiting for the "good news," then all you have to do is learn how to use pregnancy kit. You can find this fantastic tool in most medical supply stores, and it will tell you whether or not you are pregnant, even if you do not go to the doctor's office to get the results. A hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) is created by the body when a woman conceives. A home pregnancy test kit determines whether or not HCG is present by detecting its presence. Both the urine and the blood contain traces of the hormone. The presence of this hormone in your urine can be determined using the home pregnancy test kit available to you. The kits are easy to use, but if you have any questions, here is a walkthrough of how to use a pregnancy test kit in the comfort of your home. Take the following actions:

Select A Pregnancy Test Kit

Pregnancy kits come in various brands, but they all use the same method to detect hCG levels in urine. Always look at the expiration date on a pregnancy kit before buying it. Ensure that the goods are brand new and that the packaging is undamaged. If you need to retake the test, you won't have to run out and buy another one if you choose a brand that includes two test sticks in a package. When a test kit has been sitting in a cupboard for months, it is best not to use it. Always buy a new one if you plan on getting a pregnancy test.

Check Out The Handbook That Came With The Product

Read through the instructions thoroughly before using the pregnancy test kit. The instructions for most products are the same, but you should always read the leaflet that comes with a new product and make sure you follow them strictly. Different brands may have other symbols on the test to indicate whether or not you're pregnant. The method used to collect urine can also differ. To familiarize yourself with the test kit, read the instruction handbook.

Choose A Time For The Test

The time you take the test is equally important if you want accurate results. And hence, it is advised that you wait for at least one day after missing your period. Also, if you want the perfect pregnancy test results, take the test one week after your missed period. During the day, taking the test right after waking up is the best time because your urine will possess the highest amounts of hCG.

Make Sure You're Ready Before You Take The Test.

Undoubtedly, you're looking forward to finding out if you're expecting a child. However, you should take a deep breath and allow yourself some time to calm down. Use soap and warm water to clean your hands before removing the test stick.

Take The Test

In order to go ahead with the test, you can choose to urinate on the stick directly, or you can even collect your urine in a small container. For best results, use the midstream urine. This means you need to pee a little before urinating on the stick or in the container you chose to collect the urine in.

It's always better to follow all the instructions on the leaflet while urinating on the stick directly, as certain brands may require you to pee on the stick for a specific period. One good way to do this is to use a stopwatch. If you choose to pee directly on the stick, ensure that the display window is pointed upwards and you urinate on the absorbent part of the stick.

Now, if you choose to collect your urine in a small container, you will have to dip the absorbent part of the stick into the container and hold the stick for about 5 to 10 seconds. Alternatively, you can use a dropper to put the urine into the stick.

Observe It For a While

You must keep the test stick on a level surface and wait for the reaction to occur for the indicated amount of time. The average wait time is between five and ten minutes. Then, once you've had a cup of tea, return to see the outcome. You can tell if your test stick is working correctly by looking for a small line or timer indication on the test stick. If the first doesn't work, try a different one.

The Outcome

You can tell if you're pregnant by looking at the symbols. Check the instruction sheet included in the package to see if these symbols are the same for all brands. The minus or plus sign is commonly used in home pregnancy tests. Consult your physician if you receive a positive test result.

Conclusion

If you've always been wondering about how to check pregnancy with kit or how to use a pregnancy test kit, this article will surely solve all your questions in no time. So, go ahead and do the test the right way!

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References:

1. Jackie Boxer, Sarah Weddell, David Broomhead, Cameron Hogg & Sarah Johnson. (2019). Home pregnancy tests in the hands of the intended user, Journal of Immunoassay and Immunochemistry. tandfonline.com