What happens during a pregnancy test?You can get a home pregnancy test kit at the drug store without a prescription. Most are inexpensive and easy to use.Many home pregnancy tests include a device called a dipstick. Some also include a collection cup. Your home test may include the following steps or similar steps:Do the test on your first urination of the morning. The test may be more accurate at this time, because morning urine usually has more HCG.Hold the dipstick in your urine stream for 5 to 10 seconds. For kits that include a collection cup, urinate into the cup, and insert the dipstick into the cup for 5 to 10 seconds.After a few minutes, the dipstick will show your results. The time to results and the way the results are shown will vary between test kit brands.Your dipstick may have a window or other area that shows a plus or minus sign, a single or double line, or the words "pregnant" or "not pregnant." Your pregnancy test kit will include instructions on how to read your results.If the results show you are not pregnant, you may want to try again in a few days, as you may have done the test too early. HCG gradually increases during pregnancy.If your results show you are pregnant, you should make an appointment with your health care provider. Your provider may confirm your results with a physical exam and/or a blood test.During a blood test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This process usually takes less than five minutes.
