How accurate are home pregnancy tests?

Bottom lineHome pregnancy tests are about 99% accurate when used correctly, meaning on or after your missed period and following instructions; most errors are false negatives from testing too early or with dilute urine, while false positives are rare. Use first-morning urine for early tests, read results within the stated window, retest in 2 to 3 days if negative with no period, and treat a faint line as likely positive.

Home pregnancy tests are about 99% accurate when used correctly - meaning on or after your missed period and following the instructions. Most errors come from testing too early.

What affects accuracy

• Timing: testing before there's enough hCG causes false negatives. Accuracy is highest from your missed period onward.
• Following instructions: wrong timing or reading the result outside the window reduces reliability
• Urine concentration: first-morning urine has the most hCG, helping early tests
• Test sensitivity: some brands detect lower hCG levels than others

False results

• False negatives are common when testing too early or with dilute urine
• False positives are rare but can occur with certain medications (containing hCG), recent pregnancy loss, or some medical conditions

How to get the most reliable result

1. Test on or after your missed period
2. Use first-morning urine if testing early
3. Read the result within the stated time window
4. If negative but no period, retest in 2 to 3 days
5. A faint line usually means positive - confirm with a repeat test

When to see a doctor

• A positive result - to start prenatal care
• Repeated negatives with missed periods, to investigate the cause

See how soon can I take a pregnancy test.

Femora helps you time testing to your predicted period for the most accurate result.