How Does a Home Pregnancy Test Work?
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What a Home Pregnancy Test Is
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In the modern world, convenience is key. Nowehere, perhaps, is this more apparent than in the prevalence of home pregnancy tests. Without ever stepping foot in a doctor's office, a woman can determine whether or not she is pregnant simply by using one of these convenient sticks from the pharmacy. While it doesn't entirely replace a doctor's visit (if positive), it is certainly an easy way to determine if one is necessary.
How They Work
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Home pregnancy tests work by detecting a chemical in the urine. This chemical is called human chorionic gonadopropin (HCG). While there are endless varieties of pregnancy tests on the market, they all work in basically the same way. The woman pees on the stick (or soaks the stick in her urine), and, after a determined amount of time, checks to see the results. Some pregnancy tests show a plus sign if the result is positive, and a minus sign if not. Some turn blue. But whatever the actual mechanics, they are all checking for the presence of HCG, which is a typical indicator of pregnancy.
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Are They Accurate?
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Studies have indicated that home pregnancy tests are every bit as accurate as the methods used in the doctor's office. The only exception to this would be if a woman tested before the first week of her pregnancy, because there would not be any HCG in the urine stream at that time. It is generally recommended that a woman take the test first thing in the morning; this is when HCG levels are likely to be highest and most easily detectable.
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