How do I read a pregnancy test result?

Bottom lineRead a pregnancy test by the leaflet: for line tests, the control line shows it worked and a second line (even faint, within the time window) usually means positive; plus/minus and digital tests show the result directly; always read within the stated minutes, ignore lines appearing afterward, and retest in a few days if it's negative but your period is still late.

How you read a result depends on the test type, so always check the leaflet. The key is reading within the stated time window.

Reading different tests

• Line tests: one line is the control (the test worked); a second line - even faint - usually means positive
• Plus/minus tests: a plus is positive, a minus is negative
• Digital tests: display "pregnant" or "not pregnant" in words

Important rules

• Read within the time window on the instructions (often 3 to 5 minutes)
• A faint line within the window generally still counts as positive - hCG may just be low because it's early
• Ignore lines that appear after the time window (an "evaporation line" can be mistaken for positive)

What the result means

• Positive: you're very likely pregnant - contact a clinician
• Negative but period still late: you may have tested too early; retest in a few days with first-morning urine

If results are confusing or you keep getting unclear lines, a clinician can do a blood test for certainty.

Femora helps you track when your period is due so you can interpret an early test in the right context.