How to Use a Home Pregnancy Test

If you suspect you are pregnant, you might consider using a home pregnancy test, which can be purchased at most major drugstores. Here is an overview of how to use one. Make sure to thoroughly read the directions that come with the test.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Home Pregnancy Tests

1. Buy a home pregnancy test kit from a drugstore.
2. Wash your hands with soap and hot water.
3. Remove the test stick from the foil wrapper.
4. Sit on the toilet.
5. Place the test stick in your urine stream with the "result window" facing up.
6. Urinate onto the test stick for at least 5 seconds.
7. Place the stick on a flat, dry surface with the "result window" facing up.
8. Wait for the amount of time specified on the instruction sheet until results appear.

Tips & Warnings

• Home pregnancy tests can be accurate when used anytime past the first day of your missed period.
• Instead of urinating onto a stick, you can collect your urine in a cup and plunge the stick into the urine.
• Buy the home pregnancy kit at a large drugstore with lots of product turnover. You don't want an old kit.
• Consult a physician or nurse practitioner if the test reads positive.
• Certain medications that contain the pregnancy hormone could affect the results of your pregnancy test. Consult a doctor if you have questions.