How Do I Use A Pregnancy Test Strip?
Pregnancy Test Strip: Image Source
This article will guide you on various ways to use a pregnancy test strip, step by step.
The first way to test yourself if you suspect you are pregnant using a pregnancy test strip is to do the following:
Collect A Urine Sample
A urine specimen must be collected in a clean and dry container.
It is better to take a urine sample first thing in the morning because it normally contains the highest levels of HCG of the day but samples can be used from any time of the day.
How to Test
Open the sealed pouch and remove the strip.
Place the test strip vertically (straight) into the urine sample, making sure the arrows are pointing down.
Do not allow the urine surface to go above the maximum level line (marked by arrows) on the test strip.
Leave the strip in the urine for at least 8 seconds (recommend 10 seconds).
Remove the pregnancy test and place it on a dry flat surface.
Wait for colored bands to appear, depending on the concentration of HCG, results can be seen in as little as 40 seconds.
However, to confirm a negative result the complete reaction time (5 minutes) is required.
Discard the test after use, put the used test in a special container and if possible regard it as infectious.
Reading The Result
Positive Result
If two colored lines appear on the test strip, you are pregnant.
One line may appear lighter than the other, but they will both be the same thickness.
A faint line is more likely to occur when you are testing early and your hCG levels are low.
Negative Result
If only one colored line appears on the test strip this is a negative result and you are either not pregnant or you may have tested too early.
If you are unsure repeat the test in 48 hours with a new test strip.
Invalid Result
If no lines appear anywhere on the test strip or if only the test line appears, the test has not worked properly and is invalid.
This is usually due to the strip not being wet enough.
Repeat the test with a new test strip ensuring that the strip is immersed in the urine sample for the full 10 seconds.
There are other ways to determine if you are pregnant.
Urine Testing At Home
A home test involves placing the urine on a chemical strip.
The result is ready in around 1 to 2 minutes, although different brands of test may vary in the result times.
The individual collects urine in a container and either dips the pregnancy test stick into it or uses an eyedropper to place the sample on the test strip.
Alternatively, a pregnancy stick can be held in the urine stream.
Each brand of testing has its own way of giving results, so it is important to read the package insert to find out how to understand the results.
Depending on the test, the result may appear as:
- a change of color
- a change in a marked line, or the appearance of a symbol, such as a plus or minus
- an answer in a test window, for example, the words “pregnant” or “not pregnant”
Blood Testing
There are two ways to check for pregnancy using blood: a quantitative and qualitative HCG test.
- A quantitative blood test measures the exact amount of HCG present in the blood.
- A qualitative test detects whether HCG is present or not.
Blood testing has some advantages.
It allows for early pregnancy detection, and it can measure HCG concentration.
However, it is more expensive, the results can take time, and the test must be completed in a medical office.
When Can I Take It?
The earliest time for taking a home urine test is 14 days after possible conception, but waiting until a missed period will give a more reliable result.
It is important to read the package insert to know the best and earliest time to take the test.
The best time of day to take a urine pregnancy test is first thing in the morning, after waking.
This is because consuming a lot of liquids before taking the test, can lead to a false negative, even if the woman is pregnant.
Now, there are different types of pregnancy test strips.
There are ones without a dropper and ones with a dropper.
It is important to know the type of pregnancy test strips you are using to avoid making mistakes and for accurate results.
How To Use A Pregnancy Test Strip With A Dropper
Step 1: Collect the urine sample in a clean container.
Step 2: Clean your hands before you open the pouch of the pregnancy test kit.
Step 3: Take the dropper, place it in the urine sample container, and fill the urine sample in the dropper.
Step 4: Now hold the pregnancy test strip horizontally and see on one end there is a small hole. Drop a few drops of urine on that hole.
Once the drops are soaked, position the strip vertically.
Step 5: In a minute or two the testing strip will show you the result.
If you see the following, this is what it means:
- 1 line: Negative. This means you are not pregnant.
- 2 lines: Positive. This means you are pregnant
- No line: This means the test is null and void, and you might have to take another one.
How To Use A Pregnancy Strip Without A Dropper
Step 1: Collect a sample in a clean container.
Step 2: Open the pouch with clean hands and dip it in the sample. Let the strip be in the sample for 8 to 10 seconds.
Step 3: Remove the strip from the sample and place it on a dry surface.
Step 4: Wait for a minute for the results.
Another effective way of using a pregnancy test srip is by these simple steps.
Urinate into a clean, dry cup or container.
Remove the testing device from the foil pouch by tearing at the notch. Hold the strip at the colored end. (Do not touch the arrow end; do not touch the test window/the middle part of the strip)
Holding the strip vertically, immerse the end of the strip with the arrows into the specimen. Do not immerse past the MAX line.
Take the strip out when the sample has migrated to the test window (at least 5 seconds). Lay the strip (MAX side facing up) flat on a clean, dry, non-absorbent surface.
Reading Your Results
While you are waiting for your result, you may notice a colored solution moving across the test strip.
This is normal.
You need to wait 10 minutes to confirm the result.
The test should not be evaluated after 30 minutes.
The exact color of the line is not important.
What Are The Meaning Of The Pregnancy Test Strip Lines?
1 Line = Not Pregnant
If only 1 colored line appears as the control line, the test is negative and you can assume you are not pregnant.
2 Lines = Pregnant
If 2 colored lines appear, 1 as the testing line and 1 as the control line, the test is positive and you can assume you are pregnant.
Even if the lines are very light in color, you can still assume you are pregnant.
No Line- Invalid Result
If the control line does not appear, the test is invalid.
Invalid results may be an indication that the test strip was not thoroughly saturated in urine.
In this case, re-dip the test for at least 5 seconds and wait 10 minutes to read results.
If there is still no control line, the test is invalid and you should retest the following day.
Each test is designed for a single use and should not be reused.
What Do The Results Mean?
A positive result (2 Lines) indicates that your urine contains hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin) and you can assume you are pregnant.
You should consult your doctor who is best able to further advise you on proper prenatal care.
If you are taking medication, contact them immediately and make sure it is safe for your baby.
A negative result (1 Line in the “Control Zone” ) means that no hCG has been detected and you can assume you are not pregnant.
If a week passes and your menstrual period is still delayed, you should do another BFP Pregnancy Test.
If the result is still negative in the later test, there is little chance that you are pregnant.
However, because there could be health-related reasons why you are not menstruating, you should see your doctor without delay.
If your menstrual cycle is irregular, it can be difficult to know the day you have missed your period.
If your test indicated you are not pregnant and your menstrual cycle does not begin within a few days, you may have miscalculated your cycle and should use a second BFP Pregnancy Test.
However, there are important things to remember before taking a pregnancy test at home.
– Sample should always be taken from the first-morning urine.
– Collect the urine in a clean and dry container.
– Do not touch the test window (the middle part of the strip)
– Use the dropper given with the test kit to put urine over the strip.
– Wait for 5-10 minutes (as written in the guide) to see the results.
– The test should not be evaluated after 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Before now, there was no way to find out if a woman is pregnant.
Sometimes you will have to go to the hospital to take a test to determine if you are pregnant or not.
But thanks to the invention of pregnancy test strips, you can determine your pregnancy status from the comfort of your house without going to the hospital.
I hope you found this article helpful.
