how early can a pregnancy test detect

Pregnancy tests can usually detect the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a woman's urine or blood. This hormone is produced by the developing placenta after a fertilized egg has implanted in the uterus.

The timing of when a pregnancy test can detect hCG in a woman's body depends on several factors, such as the sensitivity of the test, the timing of ovulation, and the timing of implantation. However, in general, most home pregnancy tests can detect hCG in urine about two weeks after ovulation, which is typically around the time when a woman's period is due. Some sensitive tests may be able to detect hCG a few days before a missed period.

It's important to note that while home pregnancy tests are generally reliable, they can sometimes give false negative results if the test is taken too early, before hCG levels have risen enough to be detected. If you think you might be pregnant but receive a negative result on a home pregnancy test, it's a good idea to wait a few days and try again or consult a healthcare provider.