Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone, produced by the developing placenta shortly after the conception and secreted into the urine. The pregnancy test contains antibodies which specifically react with this hormone. Negative (not pregnant): Only one color band appears, in the Control Zone. No apparent band on the Test Zone. This indicates that no pregnancy has been detected. Positive (pregnant): Distinct color bands appear in the Control and Test Zones. It indicates that you are pregnant. The color intensity of the test bands may vary since different stages of pregnancy have different concentrations of HCG hormone.