What Causes Pregnancy Test Errors?
The accuracy of home pregnancy tests is nearing the fabled 100% accuracy point. However, timing is still a big factor to think about when using one of these tests. The test relies heavily on the levels of hormone in the system, but for most, the levels are still too minuscule when they take the test. Here are some points to help you remember when you should take the test.
While conception has already taken place, the levels of hormone are still too small to be detected because the fertilized egg can remain in the fallopian tubes for several days. Until the egg has actually attached itself to the uterine wall, and a placenta is formed, the body doesn’t start to produce the hormones for pregnancy.
Once the placenta is formed it will send a signal to start creating the pregnancy hormone called, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin or (HCG). For even blood tests, this hormone produces what doctors call a ‘Christmas tree effect’ when being examined under a microscope. Without that, it’s very difficult to find out if you are pregnant.
It can take 5 to 10 days after ovulation for the pregnancy hormone to be present. The levels of HCG are pretty low at first, but they do double every other day. Early detection is still possible at 7 days but it is best if you wait until 14 to 17 days after ovulation. This is because you give your body time to produce enough of the HCG hormone to register on the test. A good rule of thumb is to wait until your period is late before taking a pregnancy test. By waiting until your period is late, not only do you give your body enough time to focus on the baby, but the levels of hormone to increase.
