Is a urine test positive result accurate on the second day of a missed period?
Disease description:
I have recently been feeling physically fatigued, and my menstrual period is already two days late. I decided to perform a home pregnancy test, which yielded a positive result. I am uncertain about the accuracy of this result and am concerned about the possibility of a misdiagnosis.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
The sensitivity of early pregnancy test strips varies by brand. Some high-sensitivity test strips can detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) about a week before the expected menstrual period, while low-sensitivity strips may require waiting until after a menstrual period delay to obtain accurate results. hCG is a hormone produced by the embryo after pregnancy, and its levels rise rapidly during the early stages of pregnancy.
Although a positive urine test on the second day after a menstrual delay may indicate pregnancy, for greater accuracy, it is recommended that patients wait until one week after the missed period before performing a urine test, or opt for a blood hCG test, as blood hCG testing can detect pregnancy earlier after fertilization. If the urine test remains positive or pregnancy is confirmed by blood hCG testing, patients are advised to promptly visit a hospital for further examination and diagnosis. During the waiting period, patients should ensure adequate rest, avoid strenuous exercise and sexual activity, maintain proper nutrition, and stay in a positive mental state.
