A home pregnancy test is a simple device that allows individuals to check for pregnancy in the privacy of their own home. It works by detecting the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine, which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. Most tests are easy to use and provide results within a few minutes. To use a home pregnancy test, a person typically collects urine in a cup or directly on the test stick. After following the instructions, they wait for the indicated time to see if a line or symbol appears, indicating a positive or negative result. For the most accurate results, it is recommended to test after a missed period.