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Accurate Pregnancy Test
This easy to follow guide will tell you what signs to look out for to know if you are pregnant, and the different sorts of pregnancy tests that are available.
For most women, the first sign of pregnancy is when their periods stops. Although the absence of menstruation can be caused by other things, if the additional symptoms of tender or swollen breasts and a feeling of nausea persists - particularly in the mornings, then it is likely that she is pregnant.
The most normal way to test for pregnancy is to take a urine test. Pregnancy test kits are available over the counter from most chemists, and there are many brands to choose from. The good thing about them is that they provide privacy and quick results. Of course a GP or Family Planning Clinic can also carry out the test.
Home Pregnancy kits can detect pregnancy from six days after conception, or one day after a missed period. This offers an early advantage for arranging pre-natal care.
Pregnancy tests are based on the presence of a hormone, HCG, that pregnant women produce after conception. Modern test kits contain monoclonal antibodies that detect minute traces of HCG, These antibodies are molecules coated with a substance that bonds to the pregnancy hormone, if it is present, to produce either a positive or negative result. The woman collects urine and combines it with the antibodies provided in the kit. The test is timed, and a change of colour indicates the result. Some brands give results in as little as three minutes, and inform the user if the test hasn't been done properly. Always follow the manufacturers instructions exactly when using home pregnancy test kits, as inaccurate results are often recorded due to improper use of the test.
Most manufacturers claim a 99 per cent accuracy in laboratory tests, but there are additional factors such as using a product past its expiry date and exposure of the test to the sun which can lead to inaccurate results.
Most manufacturers recommend repeating the process a few days later to confirm the results. If you have any doubts about self testing for pregnancy, consult your GP or Family Planning Clinic.
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By howto.tvThis easy to follow guide will tell you what signs to look out for to know if you are pregnant, and the different sorts of pregnancy tests that are available.
For most women, the first sign of pregnancy is when their periods stops. Although the absence of menstruation can be caused by other things, if the additional symptoms of tender or swollen breasts and a feeling of nausea persists - particularly in the mornings, then it is likely that she is pregnant.
The most normal way to test for pregnancy is to take a urine test. Pregnancy test kits are available over the counter from most chemists, and there are many brands to choose from. The good thing about them is that they provide privacy and quick results. Of course a GP or Family Planning Clinic can also carry out the test.
Home Pregnancy kits can detect pregnancy from six days after conception, or one day after a missed period. This offers an early advantage for arranging pre-natal care.
Pregnancy tests are based on the presence of a hormone, HCG, that pregnant women produce after conception. Modern test kits contain monoclonal antibodies that detect minute traces of HCG, These antibodies are molecules coated with a substance that bonds to the pregnancy hormone, if it is present, to produce either a positive or negative result. The woman collects urine and combines it with the antibodies provided in the kit. The test is timed, and a change of colour indicates the result. Some brands give results in as little as three minutes, and inform the user if the test hasn't been done properly. Always follow the manufacturers instructions exactly when using home pregnancy test kits, as inaccurate results are often recorded due to improper use of the test.
Most manufacturers claim a 99 per cent accuracy in laboratory tests, but there are additional factors such as using a product past its expiry date and exposure of the test to the sun which can lead to inaccurate results.
Most manufacturers recommend repeating the process a few days later to confirm the results. If you have any doubts about self testing for pregnancy, consult your GP or Family Planning Clinic.