Taking a pregnancy test can be a nerve-wracking experience. You want to use the best urine sample possible to get the most accurate result. But when is the best time to take the test and what type of urine should you use? Here’s a look at which urine is best for a pregnancy test.
First Morning Urine
Most experts agree that the best urine to use for a pregnancy test is the first morning urine. This is the urine that has been concentrated in your bladder all night while you sleep. Taking a pregnancy test with your first morning urine means it will contain the highest levels of pregnancy hormone hCG if you are indeed pregnant. This makes it the best sample to detect pregnancy early.
First morning urine also has low fluid intake, so it’s not diluted like urine later in the day can become after drinking more fluids. Diluted urine may not contain enough hCG for the test to detect. Using concentrated first morning urine helps maximize your chances of an accurate test result.
Why First Morning Urine Works Best
Here’s a closer look at why first morning urine produces the most reliable pregnancy test results:
- High hCG levels – Your urine after sleeping 8+ hours accumulates higher amounts of hCG if you are pregnant.
- Concentrated – It’s not diluted by excess fluid intake like daytime urine can be.
- Easy to collect – You don’t have to hold your urine or worry about drinking enough fluids.
While any urine can be used for a pregnancy test, first morning urine gives the clearest results. If you use urine later in the day, you may want to wait and retest with first morning urine if the result is inconclusive.
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
Along with which urine is best, timing also matters for accuracy. Here’s a look at when experts recommend taking a pregnancy test for the best results:
At Least One Week After Sex
It takes time for your body to start producing pregnancy hormones after conception. Enough hCG needs to build up in your system to be detectable on a test. This means taking the test too early can result in a false negative result.
Most experts recommend waiting at least one week after sex before taking a pregnancy test. Even better is to wait two weeks after sex for the most reliable accuracy window.
Day of Expected Period for Accuracy
One of the best days to take a pregnancy test is often the day your period is due. By this point, your body has had enough time to produce pregnancy hormones that should be detectable on the test. Using first morning urine on the day of your expected period can give you the most accurate results.
Some tests can detect pregnancy up to 6 days before your missed period. But you’ll have the best chance of getting a clear positive or negative result on the day your period is due.
Anytime for Early Detection
While waiting until your missed period gives the most accurate results, today’s pregnancy tests can often detect the pregnancy hormone days before your period is due. So you may get an early positive by testing up to a week earlier.
Just keep in mind the earlier you take a pregnancy test, the greater chance there is of getting a false negative when you are indeed pregnant. Testing too early means your hCG levels may not be high enough yet for the test to detect.
How Long to Hold Urine Before Testing
You may wonder if you need to hold your urine for a certain period of time before taking the test. Holding urine allows hCG levels to become more concentrated. But this concentrated urine can also throw off test accuracy.
The best approach is not to hold your urine before testing. Take the pregnancy test first thing in the morning before drinking any fluids. Or test anytime throughout the day without intentionally holding your urine.
Why You Shouldn’t Hold Urine Before Testing
Here are some reasons experts recommend against holding urine before taking a pregnancy test:
- May concentrate urine too much – Very concentrated urine can affect the test and give an inaccurate result.
- No need to hold – First morning urine is already concentrated enough for the test to work.
- Causes discomfort – Holding urine can be uncomfortable and difficult.
- Dilutes urine – You may end up drinking more fluids if trying to hold urine, which can dilute it.
For the easiest, most comfortable test, don’t hold your urine longer than usual. Take the test first thing when you wake up or when you feel the urge to urinate throughout the day.
Collecting the Urine Sample
While first morning urine is ideal, collecting any urine sample correctly is also key for an accurate result. Here are some tips for gathering urine and taking a pregnancy test:
1. Read the Test Instructions
Every pregnancy test is slightly different, so always read the directions first. The instructions will explain how to collect urine, how long to wait for results, and how to interpret the results.
2. Collect Urine in a Clean Cup
Urinate into a clean plastic cup or container. You’ll then dip the pregnancy test stick into the cup to collect urine.
3. Take the Test Right Away
Run the test soon after collecting urine. Don’t let the sample sit unrefrigerated for too long, as this can affect results.
4. Time the Results
Wait the specified time before reading results, such as 3-5 minutes. Test lines that appear after the designated time frame are invalid.
5. Check in Full Light
Move the test to bright lighting, sunlight, or shine a flashlight on it to clearly see the control and test line results.
6. Photograph Results
Take a photo of the test to keep a record, especially if the results are faint and hard to interpret.
Pregnancy Test Results
Once you’ve collected urine and taken the test, it’s time to decipher the meaning behind those lines that appear. Here’s an overview of how to read pregnancy test results:
One Line vs Two Lines
- One Line – Only the control line appears, and no test line forms. This means the test is negative and you are likely not pregnant.
- Two Lines – The control line and a test line both appear. Two lines indicate the test is positive and you are likely pregnant.
Faint Lines
Even very faint test lines should be interpreted as a positive. However, faint lines can sometimes be caused by evaporating urine or an invalid test. Consider retesting with a new pregnancy test if you get a faint line.
Evaporation Lines
Blue or gray lines that appear after the testing time window are often “evaporation lines.” These occur as urine dries and do not mean you are pregnant. Only trust lines that form within the specified testing time.
Invalid Tests
If no control line appears, the test is invalid. Invalid tests should be discarded and a new pregnancy test should be taken to get an accurate result.
Follow Up with Doctor
While home pregnancy tests are highly accurate, you should still follow up with your doctor for confirmation. Blood and urine tests at your doctor’s office can provide definitive confirmation of your pregnancy test result.
How Accurate Are Pregnancy Tests?
Today’s pregnancy tests are very accurate when used properly. Here’s a look at how reliable home pregnancy test results are:
Greater than 99% Accuracy
When taken exactly as instructed, pregnancy tests are about 99% accurate in detecting pregnancy on the day of your expected period.
Early Detection Reliability
Detecting pregnancy greater than 5 days before your missed period reduces accuracy to about 90-95%. Very early testing before hCG levels are adequate can give false negatives.
Few False Positives
Modern pregnancy tests almost never give a false positive result, so a positive is highly likely to be accurate. But issues like chemical pregnancies can occasionally lead to a positive followed shortly after by your period.
User Error Reduces Reliability
Taking the test incorrectly by not following instructions or misreading results reduces accuracy. Wait times before reading results are critical for validity.
While false negatives and errors can occur, the vast majority of pregnancy test results are correct when directions are followed precisely.
Types of Pregnancy Tests
There are two main types of pregnancy tests available to consumers. Knowing the differences can help inform which option you may want to choose.
| Test Type | Description | Accuracy | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strip tests | Dip test strip directly in urine stream or sample cup. | 99% accurate on day of missed period. | $$ |
| Digital tests | Analyzer electronically interprets results and displays words “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant.” | 99% accurate on day of missed period. | $$$ |
Strip Pregnancy Tests
Strip pregnancy tests require manually looking at lines to determine if positive or negative. They involve a control line plus a test line if pregnancy hormones are detected. Strip tests are widely available and affordable.
Digital Pregnancy Tests
Digital pregnancy tests use an electronic analyzer to interpret pregnancy hormone levels and display a digital reading of “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant.” This leaves less room for error than manually deciphering lines. Digital tests tend to cost more than strip tests.
Tips for Accurate Pregnancy Test Results
While pregnancy tests are generally reliable, you can take steps to help ensure accuracy:
- Read all test instructions carefully.
- Use the first urine after waking up.
- Collect urine in a clean cup.
- Take the test right after collecting urine.
- Don’t drink excess fluids before testing.
- Wait the directed time before checking results.
- Take the test on the day of your expected period for best results.
- Retest with a new pregnancy test if results are unclear.
FAQs
Can any urine be used for a pregnancy test?
Any urine can be used for a pregnancy test. But first morning urine is recommended, as it’s the most concentrated and likely to contain the highest levels of hCG if you are pregnant.
Does how much urine matter for the test?
Collecting a sufficient amount of urine is important, as outlined on the instructions. However, more concentrated urine from greater amounts doesn’t necessarily make a big difference in accuracy.
Can you eat and drink before taking a pregnancy test?
Yes, normal eating and drinking before a pregnancy test is fine. Just avoid excess fluid intake right before testing. You don’t need to use first morning urine only after fasting overnight.
How soon after a missed period can you test?
Today’s pregnancy tests can often detect hCG up to 6 days before your missed period. However, waiting to test the day your period is due gives the most accurate window.
The Bottom Line
While any urine can be used, first morning urine is the best choice for pregnancy tests. Early morning urine is concentrated and more likely to contain higher levels of hCG if you are pregnant. Taking the test first thing when you wake up using proper instructions will maximize your chances of an accurate result. Be sure to follow up any positive or ambiguous home test with your doctor to confirm the pregnancy.