Home Pregnancy Tests 101

How it works: Early Pregnancy Tests are available in both a test strip and a midstream test format. To use the test strip, fill a container (preferably a sterile, or boiled, glass container) with urine and dip the strip into the container for five minutes. To use the midstream test, simply remove the cap and hold the stick in your urine stream for at least seven seconds. Replace the cap and await the test results.

When to take it: If you know your ovulation date, you may begin testing as early as seven to 10 days past ovulation.

Result time: For the test strip, expect results around five minutes; for the midstream test, you should have test results within two to five minutes.

Medical interactions: Fertility medications containing hCG may affect test results. Alcohol, pain medications, antibiotics, and birth control pills shouldn't affect the test results.

Detects 20 mIU/ml hCG and greater.