Home pregnancy tests have improved in quality and accuracy in recent years, with advances in in medical science and purified hormone production leading to highly accurate and inexpensive home tests. Tests that were difficult to read and trust in the 1980s have become very simple to use and accurate to 99 percent on the day of a missed period. Home pregnancy tests on the market are of two varieties: standard, analog tests and newer, digital tests.

Choosing Pregnancy Tests

Choose a standard test if cost is a factor for you. Keep in mind that most pregnancy tests have an accuracy rating of around 99 percent, though false positives are possible for the first few days after a missed period. Purchase a more sensitive test if you're checking for pregnancy within a day or two of your missed period, but a lower-priced standard test should work fine if the missed period is more than three days passed. Read the information provided on the back of each test's box to determine the correct test for you. Choose a digital test if you have problems understanding the coding on the back of the box, or are in need of the additional peace of mind provided by earlier readings. Keep in mind that digital tests are currently more expensive and offer similar levels of effectiveness when compared to standard tests. Purchase more than one digital test if they are needed to determine pregnancy before the date of a missed period, as the tests are more likely to display a false negative until after the date has passed.

Reading Results

Use the tests according to directions on the packaging, and allow the tests to rest for the specified duration of time indicated in the instructions. Reading digital test results are quite simple, as these types of tests generally indicate "Pregnant" or "Not Pregnant" on the digital monitor. Standard tests can be a bit more tricky to read, but generally one line or dot appears immediately to indicate that the test was successful, and another will appear to indicate pregnancy. Carefully read the instructions on the packaging to ensure that you're reading the test accurately.

Retaking Tests

Retake a pregnancy test a few days after the date of your expected period if the results were negative, as home pregnancy tests can show false negatives but almost never show false positives. Make an appointment at your doctor or family planning to validate the results as soon as possible, so that if you're pregnant you can start weighing your options or begin prenatal care.

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Digital Pregnancy Tests

Standard Pregnancy Test

Comparing Tests