Pregnancy test

A pregnancy test detects a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine. This hormone is only produced after a fertilised egg implants in the uterus — so if it's there, you're pregnant. Most tests are simple sticks you pee on, and they give a result in a few minutes. They're most accurate from the first day of a missed period, though some "early detection" tests claim to work a few days before.

• A pregnancy test detects the hormone hCG in urine.
• Most reliable from the first day of a missed period onwards.
• Available from pharmacies, supermarkets, pound shops, and online. Also free from sexual health clinics, GPs, and Brook.
• First morning urine gives the most accurate result (hCG is most concentrated then).
• A positive result is almost always accurate. A negative result might be wrong if you test too early.

[DIAGRAM: Step-by-step diagram showing how to use a pregnancy test (when to take it, how to read the result window)]

How to use one

Most home pregnancy tests work the same way:

1. Take the test out of the packet and remove the cap.
2. Either pee directly onto the absorbent tip for a few seconds, or pee into a clean container and dip the tip in.
3. Lay the test flat and wait — usually 2-3 minutes (check the instructions for your specific test).
4. Read the result in the window. This is usually either two lines (pregnant) or one line (not pregnant), or the words "pregnant" / "not pregnant" on digital tests.
5. Read the result within the time frame stated in the instructions. Results that appear after the recommended time aren't reliable.

Use first morning urine if you can — it has the highest concentration of hCG, making the test more sensitive. If you can't wait until morning, try to hold your urine for a few hours before testing.

When to take one

The test is most accurate from the first day of your expected period — or after your period is late. Testing too early can give a false negative because hCG levels might not be high enough to detect yet.

Some "early result" tests claim to detect pregnancy up to 6 days before a missed period. They can work, but they're less reliable at this stage. If you get a negative result but your period still doesn't come, test again in a few days.

If you're not sure when your period is due (especially if your cycle is irregular), testing 3 weeks after the last time you had unprotected sex is a reasonable guideline. [CHECK: commonly recommended testing window]

Understanding the results

Positive (pregnant): A positive result is almost always correct. False positives are very rare. If you get a positive result, the next step is seeing a GP or clinic to confirm and discuss your options — continuing the pregnancy, or ending it (abortion).

Negative (not pregnant): A negative result is usually correct, but can be wrong if you tested too early. If your period doesn't come within a week of the test, test again. If you keep getting negatives but your period is missing, see a GP — something else might be going on.

Faint line: A faint second line on a non-digital test usually still means pregnant. The line might be faint because hCG levels are still low (early pregnancy). Test again in a couple of days if you're unsure — the line should get darker.

Where to get one

• Pharmacies and supermarkets — from about £1 upwards. Cheap tests work just as well as expensive ones — they all detect the same hormone.
• Pound shops — perfectly accurate and much cheaper than branded tests.
• Sexual health clinics, GPs, and Brook — free pregnancy tests and support.
• Online — you can buy tests in bulk cheaply online.

You don't need to be a certain age to buy a pregnancy test. There are no restrictions.

Things people get wrong

"Expensive tests are more accurate." They're not. A £1 test from a pound shop detects hCG the same way a £10 branded test does. You're paying for packaging and branding, not accuracy.

"You need to wait weeks after sex to test." You need to wait until around the time of your expected period — roughly 2-3 weeks after sex, depending on when in your cycle it happened. Testing the day after sex won't show anything.

"A negative test means you're definitely not pregnant." Only if you test at the right time. Testing too early can miss a pregnancy. If in doubt, test again in a few days.

Things people ask about pregnancy tests

Can I do a pregnancy test at school?

You could take one in a school toilet, but if you want support and privacy, a sexual health clinic or GP is better. School nurses can also help — confidentially.

What do I do if it's positive?

Take a breath. A positive test means you're pregnant, but it doesn't mean you have to make any decisions immediately. See a GP or clinic, who'll confirm the result and talk through your options — continuing the pregnancy or having an abortion. Both are your choice, and support is available either way.

Can a test be wrong?

False positives are extremely rare. False negatives can happen if you test too early. If you're unsure, test again in a few days or see a clinic.

Will anyone find out I bought or took one?

Not unless you tell them. Buying a test requires no ID, and results are private. If you go to a clinic, everything is confidential.

Where to get help

• Brook — free pregnancy testing, advice, and support for under-25s.
• Sexual health clinics — free testing and a confidential space to talk through options.
• BPAS or MSI Reproductive Choices — if you're considering your options after a positive test, they provide NHS-funded pregnancy advice and abortion services.

A pregnancy test is a simple stick you wee on. It checks for a special hormone in your wee that only appears when you're pregnant. You get a result in a few minutes.

Most tests show either two lines (pregnant) or one line (not pregnant). Digital tests just say the word.

The test works best from the first day your period is late. If you test too early, it might say you're not pregnant even when you are, because the hormone levels aren't high enough yet. Using your first wee of the day gives the most accurate result.

If the test says positive, it's almost always right. If it says negative but your period still doesn't come, test again in a few days.

A faint second line usually still means pregnant. The line might just be light because it's still early.

You can buy pregnancy tests from pharmacies, supermarkets, and pound shops. Cheap ones work just as well as expensive ones. You can also get them free from sexual health clinics. There's no age limit for buying one.

If you get a positive result, a doctor or clinic can confirm it and talk through your options. You don't have to make any decisions straight away. Whatever you decide, support is available.