Are Pregnancy Tests Accurate?

Although most of the pregnancy tests make tall claims of being 9%-99% accurate it is a misleading fact. It is because the HCG level varies from woman to woman in the early stages of pregnancy and accurate result can be determined after a week of the period being due. The manufactures make tall claims because today's products are perceptive than yesterday's products.

Of all test, blood test is considered to be the most accurate, but here again if a woman has been on medication for infertility she could be misguided. Moreover the accuracy of pregnancy tests depends largely on the methodology and technique used in the lab.

Although at home pregnancy test claims 97%-99% accuracy, not following instructions given in the kit will maximize inaccuracy. If tests are tampered and done incorrectly it will obviously give inaccurate results. Excessive intake of fluid could dilute the level of hormone present in the urine, thus leading to inaccuracy too. At home pregnancy test may be accurate only after a week of missed period and not in the initial days.

Recent studies have revealed that of 18 products tested, first response early result -a brand was the most sensitive brand and detected pregnancy in 95% women. Clear blue came second in the sensitivity test study.

Blood test is even more effective than urine test as it can detect even lower level of hormone. Some of the things that affect accurate pregnancy test are: - fertility drugs, HCG containing medicines. But birth control pills, antibiotics and allergy medications don't affect the pregnancy test.

Thus accuracy in pregnancy tests also depends upon our personal choice and brand of products we decide to use and also on how cautious, hasty and perturbed one is. Sometimes people have the tendency to turn simple instructions into complicated ones, and thereby not doing the test efficiently. Improper testing, double checking also leads to inaccuracy and ambiguity.

Thus to accept the fact, you will find that a verity of pregnancy tests are available in the market. You can try any of those, but not all of those are accurate. The results from these tests may or may not be accurate. The accuracy of these tests depends on various factors. Not all tests are made keeping these factors in mind. Some of the tests lack in research background. Others lack in the accuracy of results they produce. Still, overall, these tests can be really helpful in making the judgment if a woman is pregnant or not. By making this judgment it becomes easier for the woman to decide to go to a doctor to discuss pregnancy with him or her. You need to be more careful about your health while you are pregnant. Thus it is important that you consult a doctor in this regard as soon as you can.