When to Take a Digital Pregnancy Test for Accurate Results

A digital pregnancy test can be taken a few days before a missed period, typically around 5 to 6 days before your expected period, if you are using an early-detection test. However, for the most reliable and accurate result, it is best to wait until the day your period is due, when digital tests are more than 99% accurate, especially when using first-morning urine. While early testing may detect the pregnancy hormone hCG sooner, hormone levels rise quickly in early pregnancy, so a negative result taken too early may need to be repeated after a few days for confirmation.

How Digital Pregnancy Tests Work

Digital pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine. This hormone is released after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, which usually occurs 6 to 12 days after ovulation. Once implantation happens, hCG levels begin to rise rapidly, typically doubling every 48 to 72 hours during early pregnancy.

Most digital pregnancy tests are designed to detect hCG at levels of 20–25 mIU/mL, although some early-detection digital tests can identify lower levels.

Earliest Time to Take a Digital Pregnancy Test

Testing Before a Missed Period

Some early-detection digital pregnancy tests can be used 5 to 6 days before your missed period. At this stage, pregnancy hormone levels may still be low, so accuracy is reduced. Clinical data shows early testing can detect pregnancy in about 75–80% of cases, depending on individual hormone levels.

For early testing, using first-morning urine is essential because it contains the highest concentration of hCG.

Limitations of Early Testing

A negative result before your missed period does not always mean you are not pregnant. Hormone levels vary from person to person, and implantation timing differs. This is why early negative results often need to be repeated later.

Most Accurate Time to Take a Digital Pregnancy Test

On the Day of Your Missed Period

The most reliable time to take a digital pregnancy test is the day your period is due or after you miss it. By this point, hCG levels are typically high enough to be detected consistently. From this day onward, digital pregnancy tests are over 99% accurate when used correctly.

After a Missed Period

If you test several days after missing your period, you can take a digital pregnancy test at any time of day, as hormone levels are usually well above the detection threshold. Accuracy remains very high, even without first-morning urine.

Best Time of Day to Take a Digital Pregnancy Test

First-Morning Urine

First-morning urine is the most concentrated and contains the highest levels of hCG. This is especially important if you are testing early or close to your expected period date.

Testing Later in the Day

If testing later in the day, avoid drinking large amounts of fluids beforehand. Excess hydration can dilute urine and temporarily lower hCG concentration, increasing the chance of a false negative.

What If You Don’t Know Your Cycle?

If your menstrual cycle is irregular or you’re unsure when your period is due, a general guideline is to take a digital pregnancy test about 19 days after unprotected sex. By this time, implantation and hormone production are more likely to have occurred, improving result accuracy.

When to Retest After a Negative Result

If you test early and receive a negative result but still suspect pregnancy, retesting after 48 to 72 hours is recommended. Since hCG levels rise quickly in early pregnancy, waiting a few days can make a significant difference in detection.

If your period remains absent and repeated tests are negative, consulting a healthcare provider is advised.

Factors That Can Affect Digital Pregnancy Test Results

Hydration Levels

Drinking excessive fluids before testing can dilute urine and reduce hCG concentration, particularly during early testing.

Medications

Most medications, including antibiotics and birth control pills, do not affect pregnancy test results. However, fertility medications containing hCG may cause false-positive readings.

Test Storage and Expiration

Digital pregnancy tests should be stored at room temperature and used before their expiration date. Improper storage or expired tests can affect reliability.

Digital Pregnancy Test vs. Blood Test

While digital pregnancy tests are highly accurate, a blood test performed at a clinic can detect pregnancy earlier and measure exact hCG levels. Blood tests are often recommended for confirmation, fertility treatments, or when results are unclear.