How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?

April 28, 2026

Shortly after conception (sometimes as early as 10 days afterward), your body begins producing a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Both blood and urine-based pregnancy tests are designed with reactive strips to detect the presence of hCG. If this hormone is detected, it will result in a positive pregnancy test.

Several things can affect your test’s accuracy. For example, testing too early may mean your hCG levels aren’t high enough to be detected yet, which may yield a negative result (even if you are actually pregnant).

At Crossroads Care Center, we provide free, medical-grade pregnancy tests. Schedule an appointment today to get the most reliable results.

How Soon Can I Take a Pregnancy Test?

It’s tempting to test right away, but taking a pregnancy test too early may lead to unreliable results because your body may not yet have produced enough hCG to be detected.

It’s best to take a pregnancy test after your first missed period. Testing at this point gives your body enough time to build up detectable hCG levels, increasing the likelihood of reliable results.

Are At-Home Pregnancy Tests Reliable?

Yes. When used correctly and not defective, at-home (urine) pregnancy tests are over 99% accurate. Make sure you follow the instructions correctly, such as using the test at the right time of day, which can help ensure the most accurate outcome.

Where To Get a Pregnancy Test for Free

At Crossroads Care Center, we offer free pregnancy testing in a safe, confidential setting. In Addition, we can help you determine the best time to take your test.

If your test is positive, we also offer free ultrasounds to provide key details about your pregnancy, including how far along you are. We are ready to meet you wherever you are in your pregnancy journey. Contact us today!