A pregnancy test can typically be taken as soon as 8 to 10 days after conception, which corresponds to about the time implantation occurs and the pregnancy hormone hCG begins to be released. However, for the most accurate result, it is recommended to wait until the first day of a missed period, which generally occurs about two weeks after conception. Testing too early can lead to false negative results because hCG levels may not be high enough to detect yet. Some very sensitive tests can detect pregnancy a few days before the missed period, but the likelihood of accuracy increases with time after conception and missed period.
Key Points
- Pregnancy tests detect hCG hormone, produced after implantation of the embryo into the uterus lining, usually about 10 days post conception.
- The earliest reliable detection by some sensitive tests is about 8-10 days after conception.
- Most accurate testing is recommended starting from the first day of a missed period (around two weeks after conception).
- Testing earlier than this may result in false negatives due to low hCG levels.
- If uncertain, waiting a week after a missed period gives even more accurate results.
This guidance balances the earliest possible testing time and the accuracy considerations to avoid misleading negative results.
