Pregnancy Tests 101

Clearblue® Easy is your pregnancy information authority. We are here to help you understand the dynamics of pregnancy tests, from accuracy to knowing when to test. In this section we have compiled a list to help answer some general questions you may have about home pregnancy tests.

About Pregnancy Tests

Clearblue® Easy Pregnancy Tests are over 99% accurate when used on or after the day of your expected period.

We recommend testing at least 19 days after unprotected sex, or from the day you expect your period.

If you are taking the contraceptive pill you may be unsure when to test because the bleeding you experience while taking the contraceptive pill is a "withdrawal" bleed and not a real period. Test at least 19 days since the last time you had sex. If the test is 'Not Pregnant', and you still think you might be pregnant, wait at least 3 days and then do another Clearblue® Easy Pregnancy Test.

If you have recently stopped taking the contraceptive pill, your periods may be irregular, leading you to test too soon. If you have no idea when your period is due we recommend testing at least 19 days from the last time you had unprotected sex. If the result is 'Not Pregnant' and you still think that you are pregnant, wait at least 3 days and then do a second Clearblue® Easy Pregnancy Test.

Missing and irregular periods are common with these types of contraceptives, so it is difficult to know when to take a Clearblue® Easy Pregnancy test. We recommend testing from the day you expect your next period or at least 19 days after you had unprotected sex. If you are testing earlier than the day of your expected period, you should use the first urine of the day. Please read about the different Clearblue® Easy Pregnancy Tests for more information.

If you are using female fertility therapies like clomiphene citrate, your cycle length may have changed, leading you to test too soon. We recommend testing at least 19 days since you last had unprotected sex. If the result is 'Not Pregnant' and you still think you might be pregnant, wait at least 3 days before doing another Clearblue® Easy Pregnancy Test.

After a miscarriage or termination, hCG may take up to 9 weeks to return to normal levels. If you test during this time, it is impossible to know if a 'Pregnant' result is caused by a new pregnancy or by hCG from your previous pregnancy. In this case, we would recommend that you contact your doctor. If it is more than 9 weeks since your miscarriage or termination, it may be difficult to calculate when to test because your cycle may be irregular. If you have no idea when your period is due, test at least 19 days from the last time you had unprotected sex. If the result is 'Not Pregnant' and you still think you are pregnant, test again in 3 days using a second Clearblue® Easy Pregnancy Test.

What Factors Could Affect My Pregnancy Test Results?

No. However, if you are taking the contraceptive pill you may be unsure when to test because the bleeding you have every month when taking the contraceptive pill is a 'withdrawal' bleed and not a real period. You should test at least 19 days after the last time you had unprotected sex. If the test is 'Not Pregnant', and you still think you are pregnant, wait at least 3 days before another Clearblue® Easy Pregnancy Test.

As far as we are aware, they should not. However, if you are taking any medication, please read the instructions before taking a Clearblue® Easy Pregnancy Test, or discuss it with your doctor.

Clearblue® Easy Pregnancy Tests detect tiny amounts of hCG in your urine. However, if you drink too much fluid before you do any Clearblue® Pregnancy Test it can dilute your level of pregnancy hormone and it could lead to a false 'Not Pregnant' result. Although you might be pregnant, the hCG might be so diluted that Clearblue® Easy Pregnancy Test isn't able to detect it. So, try not to drink too much before you take a test and wait until you naturally need to pass urine.

No. But drinking lots of fluid can affect the concentration of hCG in the urine sample. So, try not to drink too much before you take a Clearblue® Easy Pregnancy Test and wait until you naturally need to pass urine.

Always read the instructions for any medication you are taking before conducting the test.

• Fertility drugs containing hCG can give misleading results (these fertility drugs are usually given by injection and testing too soon after administration may give a 'false' pregnant result).
• Other fertility therapies (such as clomiphene citrate), painkillers and hormonal contraceptives (e.g. contraceptive pill) should not affect the result.
• If you have recently stopped using hormonal contraception or are using fertility therapies like clomiphene citrate, your periods may be irregular, leading you to test too soon.
• If you have recently been pregnant (even if not carried to full term) you may get a false 'Pregnant" result.
• Ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cysts, menopause and some very rare medical conditions can give misleading results.
• If you do get unexpected results you should discuss them with your doctor.

No, fertility therapies like clomiphene citrate will not affect the test. However, clomiphene citrate can alter your normal cycle length and lead you to test too soon. You should test at least 19 days after you last had unprotected sex. If the result is 'Not Pregnant' and your period does not begin, take another Clearblue® Pregnancy Test, allowing at least 3 days between tests.

Only those containing the pregnancy hormone hCG affect the test result. These drugs are usually given by injection and testing too soon after the injection may give a 'false' pregnant result. You should test no sooner than 14 days from the last injection, unless your doctor or hospital has advised you otherwise.

More Facts About Clearblue® Easy Pregnancy Tests

Clearblue® Easy Tests range in price from $10 - $19 depending on how many tests come in the package.

Clearblue® Easy Pregnancy Tests are sold nationally in all major drug stores and food stores. They are also available for purchase on many store's websites. Click here to purchase a Clearblue® Easy product on-line. For a complete list of stores where Clearblue® Easy pregnancy tests are sold click here.

The expiration date is printed on the side of the carton just below the lot number.

Clearblue® Pregnancy Tests should be stored at room temperature, 36°-86° F (2°-30°C). As long as the Test Stick is kept in the unopened foil pouch, it will keep until the expiration date shown on the carton.

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