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Pregnancy test

The suspicion of pregnancy is a moment full of emotions – hope, excitement and sometimes uncertainty. Whatever it feels, the first step to getting an answer is usually a pregnancy test. With easy availability in pharmacies and drugstores, home pregnancy tests have become a common and convenient tool, allowing you to quickly pre-confirm or rule out pregnancy from the comfort of your own home. However, this universality and the ability to perform the test yourself make it extremely important to have reliable knowledge about their operation, types, correct use and interpretation of results.

How does a pregnancy test work? The Secret of the hCG Hormone

The basis for the operation of virtually all pregnancy tests, both home and laboratory, is the detection of a specific hormone – human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG for short.

Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) – Pregnancy Hormone

hCG is a glycoprotein hormone produced very early after fertilization. Initially, it is produced by the cells of the embryo (trophoblast), and then by the developing placenta. Its main role in early pregnancy is to maintain the function of the corpus luteum – a structure formed in the ovary after ovulation. The corpus luteum, stimulated by hCG, produces progesterone – a key hormone necessary to maintain pregnancy, prepare the uterine lining to receive the embryo and prevent uterine contractions.

When and How Does hCG Appear?

The presence of hCG is one of the earliest biochemical signals of pregnancy. This hormone appears in a woman’s blood and urine shortly after the fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall. Implantation usually ends between 11. and the 12th day after fertilization. Therefore, hCG becomes detectable as early as about 7-10 days after fertilization , which corresponds to the beginning of the second week of pregnancy counted from fertilization, so it is advisable to see a doctor.

The level of hCG in the body of a pregnant woman begins to rise very quickly. In the first weeks of pregnancy, its concentration in the blood doubles approximately every 48 hours. This dynamic change is extremely important. It explains why a test performed on one day may give a negative or inconclusive result (e.g. a very pale line), and repeated after 2-3 days will show a clear positive result. Even a small increase in hormone levels in this short period of time can exceed the sensitivity threshold of the test. HCG levels usually peak between 9 and 12 weeks of pregnancy (or 60-80 days of pregnancy), after which it gradually declines and stabilizes at a lower level until the end of pregnancy.

It is worth noting that hCG appears first in the blood, and only a little later in the urine, when its concentration in the blood is already high enough. This explains why blood pregnancy tests, especially those performed in a lab, can detect pregnancy a few days earlier than most home urine tests.

hCG Detection Mechanism by Tests

Home pregnancy tests work on the principle of an immunochemical reaction, similar to ELISA tests. Specific monoclonal antibodies directed against the hCG hormone (anti-hCG) are applied to the surface of the test (strip, plate). They are often bound to a dye (e.g. colloidal gold particles).

When a urine sample containing hCG travels through the test zone, the hormone binds to these antibodies. This antigen-antibody (hCG-anti-hCG) complex travels further and is taken up by other antibodies immobilized at a specific location – the so-called test zone (usually marked with the letter T). Binding the complex in the T-zone causes the appearance of a colored line or mark.

Each test also has a control zone (usually marked with the letter C). There are other antibodies that react with the test itself (e.g. with unbound antibodies to the dye), regardless of the presence of hCG. The appearance of a line in control zone C confirms that the test worked properly and the urine sample was correctly applied and moved through the test. No line in zone C means the test is invalid and must be repeated.

Types of pregnancy tests: which one to choose?

There are many types of pregnancy tests available on the market, differing in the way they are performed, sensitivity, price and form of presentation of the result. Choosing the right test depends on your individual preferences and needs. The basic division includes home and laboratory tests, which may differ in the percentage of sensitivity.

Laboratory tests

Tests performed in a medical laboratory offer the highest accuracy, often close to 100%. They can be carried out with a blood or urine sample.

Laboratory blood test: It is considered the most sensitive method. It can detect pregnancy as early as 7-10 days after fertilization. Two types are available:

• Quality test: It only confirms the presence of hCG in the blood (a “yes” or “no” result).
• Quantitative test (beta−hCG assay): It measures the exact concentration of the beta subunit of the hCG hormone in the blood. This allows not only to confirm pregnancy, but also to estimate its age, monitor normal development (beta-hCG levels should increase in a certain way in early pregnancy) and detect potential abnormalities, such as ectopic pregnancy or the risk of miscarriage. A beta−hCG level above 5 mIU/ml usually indicates pregnancy. Product Testing. beta-hCG from blood can be performed privately (cost approx. PLN 30) or free of charge on the basis of a referral from a doctor.

• Laboratory urine test: Similar in operation to home tests, but performed by medical staff, which minimizes the risk of error. It is less sensitive than a blood test.

Home Pregnancy Tests

They are the most popular option due to their ease of use, speed of results, and ability to perform at home. They are divided into urine tests and, relatively more recently, blood tests.

• Home urine tests: They detect the presence of the first signs. hCG in urine. They come in several main forms:
  • Plate (cassette) test: The most common. It is in the form of a plastic plate with two windows: a smaller one (S) for applying the urine sample and a larger one for reading the result (C and T lines). It requires collecting urine into a clean container and applying a few (usually 3-4) drops of urine using the included pipette to the marked field. Considered more accurate than strip tests, but requires additional accessories (container, pipette).
  • Jet (felt-tip pen) test: Its shape resembles a felt-tip pen with a handle and an absorbent tip under the cap. It is the most convenient to use because it does not require urine collection – the tip of the test is placed directly under the urine stream for a few seconds. Alternatively, the tip can be dipped in the collected urine. The advantage is comfort and hygiene. The disadvantage may be the higher price compared to strip and plate tests and the risk of accidentally wetting the result window.
  • Strip test: The simplest and usually the cheapest form of the test. It consists of a strip of paper that is immersed in a container with collected urine up to a marked line (MAX) for a specified period of time (e.g. 10-15 seconds). It requires a urine container and precision when dipping. The result in the form of bars can sometimes be more difficult to interpret unambiguously.
  • Digital (electronic) test: Instead of the traditional dashes, the result appears on the digital display as a symbol (+ or −) or a word (“pregnant” or “not pregnant”). Most often it takes the form of a stream test. The advantage is the unambiguity of the result, eliminating interpretation doubts. Some models may also indicate an approximate gestational age (e.g., 1-2, 2-3, 3+ weeks). However, this is typically the most expensive type of home test.

The following table summarizes the key features of home urine tests:

Comparison of Urine Home Pregnancy Tests

Test Type	How to use	Key Benefits	Main Disadvantages	Approximate price
Plate	Collecting urine into a container, pipetting a few drops onto the plate of the platelet pregnancy test is crucial for accurate results.	Often chosen, potentially more accurate than the strip	Requires a container and pipette, less convenient than a jet	$
The jet pregnancy test is a convenient method of sample collection.	Placing the tip directly under the urine stream	The most convenient, hygienic, no container required	Usually more expensive than strip/plate ones , the risk of getting the window wet	$$
Bar	Dipping the strip in collected urine to the MAX line	Cheapest	Requires container, precision, result can be harder to read	$
Digital	Usually like a stream; reading the result on the display	An unambiguous reading of the result, may indicate the age of pregnancy	Dearest	$$$

• Home blood test: A relatively new option on the market, allowing the detection of hCG in blood taken from a fingertip puncture at home. The kit usually includes a lancing device, a pipette for blood collection and a test cassette. The procedure involves pricking a finger, taking a drop of blood, applying it to the test and adding a special diluent. The result is read after a few minutes. The advantage is potentially higher accuracy than urine tests (up to 98% according to the test), the ability to be performed at any time of the day and fewer false negatives in early pregnancy. The disadvantage is the need to prick a finger, higher price and lower availability. The advent of these tests blurs somewhat the traditional distinction between less accurate home (urine) and high-precision laboratory (blood) tests, offering a compromise between accuracy and convenience at home.
• Unbelievable “home remedies”: It is worth mentioning that the methods of alleged pregnancy detection using baking soda, baking powder, sugar or toothpaste, popular on the Internet, have no scientific basis and are completely unreliable. They should not be used to confirm or rule out pregnancy.

The choice of test often comes down to a compromise between price, convenience and ease of interpretation. The cheapest strip tests require a little more commitment and attention to reading. Streaming tests offer the most convenience, but they are more expensive. Digital tests eliminate interpretative doubts, but are associated with the highest cost. A home blood test is an option for those looking for higher accuracy at home, but it requires breaking down the barrier associated with blood draws.

When is the best time to take a pregnancy test? The Key to a Reliable Result

The timing of a pregnancy test is crucial for its reliability. Taking the test too early, before the level of the hCG hormone reaches detectable levels, is the most common cause of a false negative result.

As a general rule, the day of your expected menstruation

Most experts and test manufacturers recommend taking a pregnancy test on the first day of your expected period if bleeding has not occurred. By this time, most pregnant women have urine levels of hCG high enough to be detected by standard pregnancy tests. This is the safest and most universal term, minimizing the risk of a false negative result.

Is it possible to test earlier?

Thanks to the development of technology and the introduction of higher sensitivity tests to the market, it is possible to detect pregnancy even before the expected menstrual period. However, the deadlines given by different sources may vary:

• Regarding ovulation/fertilization: The test can be attempted no earlier than 7-10 days after probable conception or about 8 days after ovulation.
• Relative to the ratio: It is recommended to wait at least 6-10 days, and for less sensitive tests, even 14 days. It should be remembered that fertilization can take place even 3-5 days after intercourse.
• With regard to implantation: Detection of hCG is possible about 4-7 days after embryo implantation, which usually occurs 11-12 days after fertilization.
• Before your expected period: Some tests (especially ultra-sensitive and digital ones) can detect pregnancy a few days before the expected menstrual period, e.g. 2-3 days or even 5 days earlier.

This variety of recommendations is due to several factors: individual differences in the length of the menstrual cycle, the exact moment of ovulation and implantation, and above all – the different sensitivity of the available tests. Therefore, sticking to the principle of testing on the day of the expected period remains the most reliable approach for most women.

The importance of morning urine

It is strongly recommended to perform a home pregnancy test from the first urine sample in the morning. After a night’s rest, urine is most concentrated, which means that it contains the highest concentration of the hCG hormone. This is especially important in early pregnancy, when hormone levels are still relatively low. Using urine later in the day, especially after consuming a lot of fluids, can lead to urine dilution and a false negative result. The exception is blood pregnancy tests (laboratory and home), which can be performed at any time of the day, as the concentration of hCG in the blood is less prone to fluctuations related to hydration. In the case of urinary tests, if the pregnancy is already more advanced (e.g. a week after the menstrual period), the hCG concentration is high enough that the test performed at a different time of day should also give a reliable result.

Test sensitivity vs. execution time

A key parameter that affects how early the test can be performed is its diagnostic sensitivity. Sensitivity determines the lowest concentration of hCG that the test can detect in a urine sample. It is usually expressed in international units per millilitre (mIU/ml) or international units per litre (IU/l).

• Typical sensitivity levels:
  • 10 mIU/ml: Ultra-sensitive tests that allow you to detect very early pregnancy, even 2-4 days, 2-3 days or as early as 6-10 days after intercourse. Examples: Pink Super Sensitive Test , Bobo-Streaming Test.
  • 25 mIU/ml: Tests with standard sensitivity, which usually give a reliable result on the day of your expected period or a little later, can detect some symptoms of pregnancy. They detect pregnancy from about day 6 or 14 days after intercourse. Examples: Pre-Test , Bobo-Test Plate , Pink TEST Plate Product.
  • Other classifications (less commonly used): Some sources report sensitivity in small amounts. IU/l, e.g. tests up to 500 IU/l (detection approx. 10 days after fertilization), 500-800 IU/l (approx. 2 weeks), above 800 IU/l (approx. 3 weeks).

The rule is simple: the lower the mIU/ml value (higher sensitivity), the earlier the test can detect pregnancy. Information about the sensitivity of the test should be provided on the packaging or in the accompanying leaflet. However, it is worth remembering that high reliability (accuracy) of the test is not the same as high sensitivity. A test with a lower sensitivity (e.g. 25 mIU/ml) can also be very reliable, but it will give a positive result a little later than an ultra-sensitive test.

There are some risks associated with the decision to test earlier using an ultra-sensitive test (10 mIU/ml). Such tests can detect the so-called biochemical pregnancy – a situation in which fertilization and very early implantation have occurred, but the embryo has stopped developing at a very early stage, even before or around the date of the expected menstrual period. A woman may then test a poorly positive result and then a negative result, or normal menstrual bleeding may occur, which may indicate fertility problems. This can lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment. Testing on the day of the expected menstruation with a test of standard sensitivity often avoids the detection of such very early, incapable of developing pregnancies.

How to Properly Perform a Step-by-Step Pregnancy Test?

Taking a pregnancy test correctly is just as important as choosing the right moment. Procedural errors can lead to an unreliable result. While the specific instructions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and type of test, there are general rules and steps for the most common home tests.

General rules – Before you begin:

1. Read the instructions: This is an absolutely crucial step, emphasized by all reliable sources. Always refer to the leaflet that comes with the specific test you intend to use. Pay attention to the time of reading the result, the method of applying the sample and the interpretation of bars/symbols.
2. Check Expiration Date: Make sure the test is not out of date. Using an expired test can give you an erroneous result.
3. Prepare accessories: If you are using a plate or strip test, prepare a clean and dry urine container. Also, have your watch or stopwatch ready to accurately time the result reading.
4. Use Morning Urine: If possible, test with the first urine sample in the morning, which is the most concentrated.
5. Take the test right away: The test should be removed from the foil packaging immediately before use. Prolonged exposure to moisture can affect its properties.
6. The test is a one-time test: Remember that each pregnancy test is for single use.

Specific Instructions for Specific Test Types:

• Plate (cassette) test:
  1. Collect the urine sample in a clean, dry container to perform a stream pregnancy test.
  2. Remove the plate test and pipette from the packaging. Place the test on a flat, level surface.
  3. Use a pipette to collect urine from the container. Holding the pipette vertically, apply the exact number of drops specified in the instructions (usually 3 or 4) into the round window labeled S (sample). Avoid creating air bubbles.
  4. Start the timer and wait the time indicated in the instructions (usually 2 to 5 minutes).
  5. Read the result in a rectangular result pane (marked C and T).
• Jet (felt-tip pen) test:
  1. Remove the test from the packaging and remove the protective cap from the absorbent tip.
  2. Holding the test by the handle, point the absorbent tip downwards and place it directly under the urine stream for the time indicated in the instructions (usually a few to several seconds, e.g. 5-10 seconds). Make sure the tip is well soaked, but avoid getting the result window wet.
  3. Alternatively, you can collect the urine in a container and dip the absorbent tip into it for the indicated time.
  4. After the sample has been collected, put the protective cap back on.
  5. Place the test on a flat surface with the result window facing up.
  6. Start the timer and wait the time indicated in the manual (usually about 5 minutes).
  7. Read the result.
• Strip test:
  1. Collect the urine sample in a clean, dry container.
  2. Remove the test strip from the packaging.
  3. Holding the strip by the top (away from the absorbent field), immerse it vertically in the urine, with the arrows pointing downwards, to the level marked with the MAX line.
  4. Hold the strip in the urine for the time indicated in the instructions (usually 10-15 seconds) until a slight coloration appears.
  5. Remove the strip from your urine and place it on a flat, clean, and dry surface that does not absorb moisture.
  6. Start the timer and wait the time indicated in the instructions (usually between 3 and 10 minutes).
  7. Read the result.

The most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Taking the test too early, before 7 days after the expected menstrual period, can lead to false results. As discussed earlier, this is the main cause of false negatives. Wait at least until the day of your expected menstrual period.
• Failure to follow instructions: Each test is different. Always read the leaflet!.
• Reading the result after the recommended time: A result read too late (e.g. after 10 minutes) is unreliable. A so-called evaporative line may appear, mistaken for a positive result.
• Improper amount of urine: Too few drops on the plate test or too short soaking of the jet/strip test tip may prevent the test from working properly.
• Diluted Urine Usage: Drinking plenty of fluids before the test can lower your hCG levels. Use the first urine of the morning.
• Using an expired or poorly stored test: Check the expiration date and store the tests as directed (usually at room temperature, in a dry place).
• Faulty test: Although rare, the test may be faulty at the factory. If the result is invalid or in doubt, repeat the test with a new test.

Emphasizing the need to read the instructions carefully is fundamental, as manufacturers can make minor modifications to procedures that are important for a reliable result. Treating each test individually, according to its specifications, is the best guarantee of proper test performance.

Pregnancy test results interpretation: what do the lines mean?

Reading the result of a pregnancy test is usually simple, but sometimes ambiguous images, such as a pale second line, can raise doubts. It is crucial to understand what each line (or lack thereof) meaning when it appears in the result window at the time specified by the manufacturer.

Standard results:

• Positive result (pregnancy):
  • Traditional tests (plate, stream, strip): The appearance of two distinct lines – one in the control zone (C) and the other in the test zone (T) – indicates a positive result and a high probability of pregnancy.
  • Digital tests: A positive result is signaled by the appearance of a plus sign (+) or a verbal message, e.g. “pregnant” or “yes”.
• Negative result (no pregnancy):
  • Traditional tests: The appearance of only one dash in the control zone (C) and the absence of any dash in the test zone (T) indicates a negative result. The C-line only confirms the correct operation of the test.
  • Digital tests: A negative result is indicated by a minus sign (−) or the message “not pregnant” or “no”.
• Invalid result:
  • Traditional tests: If no dash appears (either in zone C or T) or if only a dash appears in the test zone (T) with no check dash (C) visible, the result is invalid. This means that the test did not work properly or was performed incorrectly.
  • Digital tests: An invalid result may be signaled by an “error” message or simply the lack of any result on the display.
  • What to do: If the result is invalid, the test should be repeated using a new, unused pregnancy test.

Interpretation of the pale second line

A very common question is: what does a poorly visible, pale second line in the test zone (T) mean?

• It usually means pregnancy: In the vast majority of cases , any line appearing in the T-zone within the prescribed reading time should be interpreted as a positive result, even a very faint but coloured line. The intensity of the T line colour is irrelevant to the interpretation of the result as positive.
• Cause of paleness: A pale line most often indicates a very early pregnancy, when the level of hCG hormone in the urine is still relatively low, but has already exceeded the sensitivity threshold of the test, which can affect the percentage of results.
• Recommendation: In the event of a result with a pale second line, it is recommended repeat the test after a few days (e.g. 2-3 days, when the first signs of pregnancy can be noticed. . As the pregnancy progresses, hCG levels should increase, which will cause the T-line on the next test to be clearer and darker.
• Other options: In rarer cases, a pale line that weakens in the following days or is accompanied by menstruation-like bleeding may indicate a very early miscarriage (biochemical pregnancy).

Evaporation line – an interpretive trap

It is necessary to distinguish a pale but positive T-line from the so-called evaporative line.

• What is this? This is a very faint, often colorless, or grayish line that may appear at the site of the T line after the recommended reading time has elapsed as the urine on the test begins to dry (evaporate).
• How to tell the difference? The key differences are:
  • Time of arrival: details are provided in the information leaflet. The evaporation line appears after the time indicated in the instructions for reading the result. A pale positive line appears at this time.
  • Colour: The evaporative line is usually colorless, gray, or looks like a shadow. A pale positive line, although weak, should have a slight color (consistent with the dye used in the test, e.g. pink, blue).
• Meaning: The evaporative line does not mean pregnancy. This is an artifact resulting from the drying out of the test. To avoid misinterpretation, it is absolutely crucial to read the test result exactly at the time specified by the manufacturer and not take into account any changes that occur later.

Understanding these interpretive nuances, especially regarding the pale line and evaporative line, is essential to correctly read the result and take appropriate further steps.

Reliability of pregnancy tests: can they be trusted?

Home pregnancy tests are widely considered to be a very reliable tool for early detection of pregnancy. Their accuracy, when properly executed and interpreted, is high, but not one hundred percent. There are certain factors that can lead to an erroneous result – both false positive and false negative.

Overall Testing Accuracy:

• Home urine tests: Manufacturers declare accuracy at the level of 95-99%, and some even above 99% or 99.9%.
• Home blood tests: Their accuracy is estimated at about 98%.
• Laboratory tests (blood, urine): They are considered the most accurate, with a reliability close to 100%.

Factors that cause a false positive result (positive test, even though not pregnant)

False positives are much less common than false negatives. They can be caused by:

• Medicines containing hCG: This mainly applies to drugs used to treat infertility, including hormonal injections given, for example, before the in vitro procedure, to increase fertility. To avoid an erroneous result, it is recommended to wait at least 14 days after the last injection before taking the test.
• Recent childbirth or miscarriage: After the end of pregnancy (childbirth or miscarriage, both natural and artificial), the level of hCG in the body decreases gradually and can remain at a detectable level for several more weeks (up to 3 weeks after childbirth according to ). Performing the test during this period may give a false positive result.
• Some medical conditions: Rarely, but a false positive result can be caused by certain medical conditions, such as:
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Kidney disease
  • Thyroid diseases
  • Certain cancers, especially those producing hCG, e.g. chorionic villus carcinoma, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer
  • Gestational trophoblastic disease (e.g. black cohosh)
• Perimenopause: Menopausal women may experience a slight increase in hCG levels, which could theoretically affect the test result.
• Other medicines (e.g. antidepressants): Information on this subject is contradictory. Some sources mention the possibility of certain antidepressants, antihistamines or painkillers affecting the test result. However, other sources, referring to specific drugs (e.g. sertraline in Asertin), deny such an effect. This is probably a very rare phenomenon. In the case of taking any medication and doubts about the test result, a medical consultation is always advisable, especially since pregnancy in a woman treated, for example, for depression requires special medical attention.
• Execution or read errors: These can affect the percentage of results. Mistaking the evaporation line for a positive result or using a faulty test.
• Blood or plasma transfusion: It can theoretically affect the result if the transfused preparations contained hCG.

Factors that cause a false negative result (negative test, despite the existence of pregnancy)

False negatives are more common than false positives, and their main cause is:

• Taking the test too early: This is the most common reason. The level of hCG in your urine may still be too low to exceed the sensitivity threshold of the test.
• Over-diluted urine: Drinking plenty of fluids before the test lowers the concentration of hCG in the urine. Therefore, it is recommended to use the first morning sample.
• Procedural errors: Incorrect performance of the test, e.g. immersing the strip too short, applying too little urine, reading the result too early.
• Expired or defective test: Tests have a specific expiration date and can be damaged if stored improperly.
• Hook effect: This is a rare occurrence that can occur with very high concentrations of the platelet pregnancy test are crucial for accurate results. hCG (e.g. in later pregnancy, multiple pregnancy). Paradoxically, excess hormone can “block” antibodies on the test, preventing a proper response and leading to a false negative or weak positive. Although the towbar effect is mainly in laboratory tests, it can theoretically also occur in home tests, although this is unlikely in terms of their typical use.
• Gestational trophoblastic disease: According to some sources, it can also cause false negative results.

What Does NOT Affect Test Score?

The result of a pregnancy test is not affected by:

• Taking oral contraceptives.
• Use of other hormone therapies that do not contain hCG.

One source mentions that alcohol can interfere with the test result, but this information is not universally confirmed and should be approached with caution.

In conclusion, home pregnancy tests are a very reliable tool, but they are not infallible. Being aware of the factors that may affect the result allows you to be more critical of the result and take appropriate steps, especially in the case of a negative result with no menstruation.

What’s next? Steps after receiving the test result

Getting a pregnancy test result is just the beginning. Whether the result is positive or negative, it is important to know what steps to take next.

If the test result is positive:

• Confirmation from the Doctor: The most important step after a positive home pregnancy test is to make an appointment with your gynecologist. A home test is a screening test, and the final confirmation of pregnancy and assessment of its regularity can only be carried out by a doctor. A referral from a general practitioner is not required.
• Medical diagnostics: During the visit, the gynaecologist may:
  • Conduct a medical history and gynecological examination.
  • Have a blood test checked for beta-hCG levels. This will allow not only to confirm pregnancy, but also to assess its early development.
  • Perform an ultrasound examinationA pregnancy test, most often vaginal in early pregnancy, can detect symptoms of pregnancy. The gestational follicle in the uterine cavity is usually visible from about the 5th week of pregnancy (counting from the last menstrual period), when the level of beta-hCG exceeds 1000-1500 mIU/ml. Fetal heart function can be observed a little later, when the concentration of beta-hCG exceeds 10,000 mIU/ml. Ultrasound can also rule out ectopic pregnancy.
• Recommendations until the time of the visit: From the moment you get a positive result, it is worth starting to take care of yourself like a pregnant woman. This means avoiding alcohol, cigarettes and other stimulants, limiting intense physical exertion, avoiding exposure to potentially harmful factors (X-rays, certain chemicals) and high temperature (sauna, solarium). It is also worth considering starting folic acid supplementation (if it has not been used before), which is crucial for the proper development of the fetal nervous system and is available over the counter.

If the test result is negative:

• Amenorrhoea: If the test result is negative but your period still does not appear on the expected date, it is recommended to repeat the test after a few days (e.g. 2-3 days or after a week) using a new pack. As mentioned, a false negative result is possible, especially if the first test was done too early.
• Negative Result and Amenorrhea: If the next test also gives a negative result and menstruation still does not occur, you should consult a gynecologist. There are many other causes of stopping menstruation outside of pregnancy (e.g. stress, hormonal disorders, intense physical exertion, weight changes, certain diseases) that require medical diagnosis.
• Be aware of Test Limitations: A negative test result, even if done correctly, does not give absolute certainty that you will not be pregnant, especially if it was carried out very early. Observation of your own body and cycle and medical consultation in case of doubt are always advisable.

Regardless of the result, a home pregnancy test is only the first step. Further professional medical care is crucial – whether to confirm and manage the pregnancy or to diagnose the cause of possible irregularities in the menstrual cycle.

Summary

A pregnancy test is an important and easily accessible tool that allows women to quickly obtain initial information about a potential pregnancy. Its action is based on the detection of a specific hormone – chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) – the level of which increases rapidly after fertilization and implantation of the embryo.

There is a wide range of tests available on the market: from the simplest and cheapest strips, through convenient stream and popular platelets, to modern digital tests and home blood tests. Choosing the right type depends on individual preferences regarding price, convenience and how the result is read. Regardless of the type, the key to obtaining a reliable result is to perform the test at the right time – the safest on the day of the expected period, using the first urine sample in the morning – and to strictly follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

The interpretation of the result is usually simple (one line – no pregnancy, two lines – pregnancy), but situations such as the appearance of a pale second line require understanding – most often they mean a very early pregnancy. Also be careful not to confuse a positive result with an evaporative line, appearing after the recommended reading time.

Although the accuracy of modern home pregnancy tests is very high, reaching up to 99%, there is always a small margin of error. The result can be falsified by various factors, such as taking the test too early (the most common cause of a false negative result), procedural errors, the use of certain medications (especially those containing hCG) or certain medical conditions. However, false positives are much rarer.

Therefore, the pregnancy test, despite its great usefulness, should be treated as a screening tool. Each positive result must be confirmed by a gynaecologist, who will order appropriate tests (e.g. beta-hCG from blood, ultrasound) and start prenatal care. Also, in the case of a negative result with a simultaneous lack of menstruation, a medical consultation is necessary to determine the cause of this condition.

Conscious use of pregnancy tests, based on an understanding of their operation, possibilities and limitations, allows women to obtain important information and make responsible decisions about their own health and possible pregnancy, while remembering the fundamental role of professional medical care.