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Find out when to take a pregnancy test for the most accurate results
Pregnancy tests detect a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. Your body starts producing hCG after a fertilized egg implants in your uterus. This typically happens 6-12 days after ovulation.
After implantation, hCG levels start low but double every 48-72 hours in early pregnancy. Most tests can detect hCG levels of 25 mIU/mL or higher, but this level may not be reached until 10-14 days after ovulation.
Testing too early is the most common reason for false negative results. If you get a negative result but still haven't gotten your period, wait a few days and test again.
Use first morning urine
Most concentrated hCG levels
Wait the recommended time
Usually 3-5 minutes, check instructions
Check the expiration date
Expired tests may give false results
Don't test too early
Wait until at least 10 DPO
Don't drink lots of fluids before
Dilutes hCG concentration
Don't read after time limit
Evaporation lines can be misleading
The earliest you can test with any reliability is 10 days post-ovulation (DPO), but accuracy is only about 50%. For best results, wait until 14 DPO or the day of your expected period.
Early detection tests can detect lower levels of hCG, but they're not more accurate—they just may show a positive result a day or two earlier. The accuracy still depends on your hCG levels, which vary by when implantation occurred.
Wait 2-3 days and test again. You may have ovulated later than expected, which would delay both your period and when hCG becomes detectable. If you still haven't gotten your period after a week, consult your healthcare provider.
Most medications don't affect pregnancy test results. However, fertility treatments containing hCG (like trigger shots) can cause false positives. Wait at least 10-14 days after an hCG injection before testing.