Pregnancy tests are a very convenient thing that saves a woman from the need to consult a gynecologist for the most insignificant reasons: it is enough to carry out a preliminary diagnosis at home, and it is already clear whether additional examinations are needed further and whether there is any need to worry about the delay. What are the best pregnancy tests and how to use them correctly? Let's try to find out.
What is a pregnancy test
Regardless of the design and features, any pregnancy test is associated with a woman’s urine analysis. Why is urine an indicator of whether a woman is pregnant or not?
The urine of any representative of the fair sex constantly contains the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin. In an organism that does not bear a child, the level of the hormone does not exceed 5 MIU/ml. However, everything changes if the woman’s egg is fertilized, has already attached to the wall of the uterus and begins to be covered by the placenta. Then the hCG level rises sharply to 25 MIU/ml.
Similar indicators can be observed already on the 7th day of pregnancy. However, not every test can detect fluctuations in hCG by such early stages. We will look at which pregnancy tests are best to use in certain cases a little later.
How the test works
What are the best pregnancy tests? Perhaps it depends on the duration of pregnancy and many other factors. But no matter what test a woman gets her hands on, it will work on the same principle.
Any test is equipped with a reagent that produces antibodies to the hCG hormone. As soon as the urine of the owner of the test hits its surface, the reagent is triggered, and a strip is shown, which can be light pink or bright red. This is the first sign of pregnancy.
But any test also has a control zone. And you can draw conclusions only if a strip appears in the control zone. Two lines in any test is a positive answer to the question: “Am I pregnant?”
Pregnancy test - which is better? Test strips
Test strips are the most “ancient” method of determining pregnancy and the cheapest. It is very primitive in terms of the design of the test system itself and is easy to operate. That is why test strips remain leaders in demand in pharmacies and stores.
How does the test strip work? A woman should immerse a strip purchased at a pharmacy in a container with urine for only 10 seconds. This will be enough for the reagent to do its job. The test strip will give a final result after three minutes.
What are the best pregnancy tests if you don't have much money and there aren't many pharmacies nearby? Test strips will come in handy in such cases. But they are able to detect pregnancy only if the delay has already occurred; in the early stages, this diagnostic method is practically useless.
Pregnancy test - which is better? Tablet test
The tablet test is a more advanced method of diagnosing pregnancy than the previous one. If only because it is very sensitive to hCG levels. So, which pregnancy test is better in the early stages? Right! Tablet test.
How to use such a test? It comes with a special pipette, with which you need to collect urine and apply just a couple of drops to a special window located on the tablet.
What happens next? The liquid completely saturates the fabric, which is hidden inside the tablet. On this fabric there is the same strip that should become an indicator of the result. This strip is impregnated with the reagent. If the hCG level is high, the woman knows that she is pregnant.
The tablet test is intricately designed, but produces more accurate results. That's why he will cost his owner certain money: on average 150-250 rubles.
Inkjet tests
Which test is best to determine pregnancy if you want to get a reliable result? If you need reliable information, you should give preference to third-generation diagnostic methods: inkjet tests.
Their appearance is well known to every woman who likes to watch melodramas or youth comedies related to pregnancy. Because these are the tests that heroines of various films love to use.
There is a certain logic in this, because today there is no more mobile and convenient tool than the inkjet test. To get the result, you don’t need to collect urine with a pipette, you don’t need to pour it into a clean vessel, just direct the stream to the “receiving” part and after a minute look at the result window.
This type of test is one of the most expensive because it produces results with 100% accuracy. If you answer the question of which pregnancy test is better before a delay, then, undoubtedly, these will be inkjet tests. The sensitivity of such a device to hCG exceeds even the sensitivity of tablet tests, so you can completely rely on them.
Test systems with reservoir
It is impossible to say for sure which one is the most good test for pregnancy. For example, many women prefer test systems equipped with a reservoir.
They work on the same principle as other test systems. It’s just that if in a tablet test you need to collect liquid with a pipette, and test strips need to be lowered into a vessel with urine, then the manufacturers of these test systems have already equipped the device with a reservoir to which an indicator is attached. The indicator, impregnated with the reagent, independently absorbs liquid in the quantities required, and then gives the result.
Test systems with a reservoir are not the most convenient, but they are much easier to use than, for example, conventional test strips. And the price is quite reasonable. So this diagnostic method remains quite popular among female representatives.
How to choose?
A woman who has never encountered pregnancy tests asks the usual questions: what is the best sensitivity of a pregnancy test, which test system is more reliable?
When you purchase a test in a store, you would like to know the exact results so as not to make useless trips to the doctor and not worry about it in vain. Therefore, it would be more logical to spend money once on a latest generation test system, for example, an inkjet, than to then waste time confirming the results of a cheap pregnancy test.
If we talk about manufacturer names, then each country and region has its own range of products, and there is no point in giving advice here. However, when purchasing a test system, you need to pay attention to the packaging so that it is not damaged, so that there are instructions in a language you understand and be sure to have any contact information for the manufacturer.
How to use it correctly?
We figured out which test is best to determine pregnancy. Now it’s worth talking about an equally important point - the rules for using tests.
Whatever test system a woman purchases, you should pay attention to the instructions before use. General principle the operation of test systems does not mean that their method of application is common. Differences may be in small details, but they are the ones that influence the final result.
In principle, you can take a pregnancy test at any time of the day. However, in the morning the results will be more accurate, because it is in the morning that the concentration of hCG in the urine is highest.
Before using the test, you must stop taking diuretics and excessive fluid intake.
How to read the results
On any test, one or two lines should appear as a result of passing it. The first stripe is called the “control” stripe. After liquid gets on it, it becomes bright pink or bright red. The “control” strip is necessary so that the owner of the purchased test can make sure that it basically works, is not expired, and its results can be relied on. If after use only one line appears on the test, it means that the test is working properly and the woman herself is not pregnant. If not a single line appears on the test, it means either the test is damaged or it was used incorrectly.
If two bright pink or red stripes appear on the test, it means its owner is pregnant. Moreover, these stripes are not always the same shade. If the period is too short, the test strip may be lighter than the control strip.
However, do not consider the test result positive if the test line turns white. This means that too much liquid has come into contact with the reagent. If it does not turn pink or red after this, then there is no pregnancy.
How to avoid mistakes during application?
It is important not only to know which is the best pregnancy test to take, but also to avoid mistakes when using the test system.
Everything must be done only according to the instructions. For example, test strips are not intended for use under running liquid; you should not even try to find out about your pregnancy in this way. And jet tests are more “flexible” in this regard: they can be used either under a stream or placed in a container with urine.
The timing over which you evaluate results also matters. If the instructions say that the result will appear in three minutes, then it is at this time that you need to look at the results window. If you evaluate the results obtained, say, after 15 minutes, then they will no longer be valid. On some tests, after this time, a second strip may appear on its own, and this means absolutely nothing.
How often do tests lie?
What pregnancy tests are best to use? Which ones “lie” more often?
Any test, even the most expensive one, can show incorrect diagnostic results for many reasons.
False negative results can be produced by a test that was stored incorrectly, was rejected, or placed in a container with stale urine. Cheap tests with low-quality reagents will not detect pregnancy in the early stages. In case of problematic and ectopic pregnancy, tests are also sometimes powerless. Or the last reason is kidney problems, due to which the urine of a pregnant woman contains little hCG.
The issuance of false positive results can be affected by a woman taking hormonal drugs that contain hCG. A hormone-producing tumor can also cause positive pregnancy tests.
If a woman is not sure of the result shown by the test, then she should look for additional signs of pregnancy or immediately go to the doctor for an appointment.
What should you do if the test is positive?
It would seem that the answer to the question of what to do if the test turns out to be positive suggests itself: go to the doctor and confirm this fact. However, many women prefer to postpone visiting the doctor indefinitely. It’s just not worth doing this.
Even future mom I was convinced with the help of a test and a combination of other signs that she is pregnant, she needs to be examined by a gynecologist urgently. If, for example, the pregnancy is ectopic, then the woman’s health is at risk. The development of the fetus not in the uterus, but in the fallopian tube does not bode well and is fraught with many complications.
In order not to come to your senses too late and not to miss such an important process as pregnancy, you need to monitor menstrual cycle, especially if a woman has regular sex life, and be sure to take a good pregnancy test if unprotected sexual intercourse occurs.
A reliable answer to the most important question
Today, pregnancy tests are available in a wide range. There are several types of tests:
- Strip tests: special strips that must be dipped into a container with urine, the sensitivity threshold is 10-25 mIU/ml (the amount of hCG in 1 ml of urine).
- Tablet: a plastic case in which there is a window with a substance sensitive to hCG. You need to add a few drops of urine into this window. Sensitivity threshold 10-25 mIU/ml.
- Jet: do not require collecting urine into a separate container - a pregnancy test can be performed directly during urination, placing the analyzer under the stream. Sensitivity threshold from 10mIU/ml.
- Electronic (digital): they have several varieties and can be intended for repeated use or determining the duration of pregnancy, etc.
Each type of test has its own advantages and disadvantages. Now we’ll try to figure out which pregnancy tests are the best.
Frautest Express Ultra sensitive
Photo: frautest.ru
The cost of a package with one strip test is about 85 rubles.
The sensitivity of the Frautest express pregnancy test starts at 15 mMKU/ml and, according to the manufacturer, it can be used without waiting for a missed period, and even 2 days before the date when (possibly) the countdown from the “missed” first day of menstruation begins. The test results are determined 3-5 minutes after you remove the strip from the urine container.
Flaws. The need to look for a container for urine, fill it, hold a strip test in it for 10 seconds and then think about how to dispose of the filled “container” is not entirely convenient when outside the home.
Advantages This pregnancy test is easy to use and highly reliable results (up to 99%). Well, let’s not pretend that cost doesn’t matter. The affordable price is a huge plus.
conclusions. One of the best pregnancy tests. A well-deserved rating of 10 out of 10.
Reviews.“I have already bought a test from this company twice, or rather, this time my husband bought it, and it did not disappoint again. My opinion is that there is no need to buy expensive tests, even if they tend to show the number of weeks. This pregnancy test is reliable, It is sold in all pharmacies, it is convenient to use and attractive in price."
Frautest Planning
Photo: frautest.ru
The cost of a set of 5 strip tests for determining ovulation, 2 for pregnancy and 7 disposable containers for collecting urine is about 380 rubles.
Another “nominee” from the Hungarian company Human takes a leading position in the ranking of the best pregnancy tests. Frautest Planning is excellent remedy for women who are planning a pregnancy and want to verify the fact of its occurrence (or the need to continue trying) without leaving the cash register.
The well-thought-out configuration of this strip kit allows you to cover the entire period from the probable start date of ovulation and “catch” the moment necessary for conception until pregnancy is determined (you can start checking 2 days before the expected day of delay). An added bonus is the disposable urine collection containers, which are easy to dispose of and allow you to take the test under any conditions.
Flaws. The only drawback is the high cost. But this is only at first glance: the same set, but “scattered” into separate packages, will cost about 70 rubles more.
conclusions. The best pregnancy test for those who care not only about in the right way life from the first days of pregnancy, but also understands the importance of planning for this fateful moment. Well-deserved ten!
Reviews. « I made big mistakes several times when I used ovulation tests and pregnancy tests from different manufacturers. The consequences were, to put it mildly, painful for my nervous system. 3 months after using Frautest for planning, I finally got on the right “schedule”. The result - in the fourth month, a pregnancy test confirmed that you can be happy. I highly recommend it - it’s expensive, but it’s reliable and doesn’t confuse you with false results.”
Clearblue Digital
Photo: www.thedrugstorelimited.com
The cost of a package with 1 digital test is about 480 rubles.
Advantages. If we take the percentage of accuracy with which the test determines the presence of pregnancy as a unit of quality, then Clearblue Digital sets the bar incredibly high: above 99%. One hundred percent accuracy is just around the corner, and this test is one of the most reliable today. But that's not all. In addition to the mark indicating the presence/absence of pregnancy (“+” - yes, “-” - no), a number will appear in the window indicating the duration of pregnancy in weeks. The format of the indicators corresponds to the range of 1-2 weeks, 2-3 weeks and more than three (the image “3+” will appear on the display). If conception does occur, then the accuracy of determining the due date, according to the manufacturer and research results, is 92%. Impressive, isn't it?
If your period is delayed, the test can be used from the very first day of its expected start. But if “you can’t bear to wait,” and your body persistently hints about your interesting situation in other ways (for example, by the desire to eat persimmons, having previously smeared them with toothpaste), then the test can be performed 4 days before the date of the likely delay.
Flaws. Not everyone will consider determining the gestational age a necessary function. Still have to visit the doctor, ultrasonography and blood tests - together, all this will establish the deadline even without a test. But let’s remember the “surprises” of pregnancy, which can calmly coexist with regular periods. In this case, it is often important for a woman to understand how far along she is, and whether she has enough time to contact an antenatal clinic and register. Classic example- a long business trip or business trip, when the dilemma of “dropping everything and going home versus still having time, you can wait” ruins all plans. So whether this is a drawback or not is up to you to decide.
conclusions. Considering that the establishment exact date Without going to a doctor, not everyone is interested, but this function makes the price “bite”, so the rating is 9 out of 10.
Reviews. “I felt something was wrong as soon as I arrived on vacation. With my floating and irregular monthly cycle, I assumed that I might not be in the early stages of pregnancy. The KLeablu test showed that I have been pregnant for more than three weeks. I limited myself with attractions and others. active entertainment, and when she returned a week later and went to the doctor, the period turned out to be already 6 weeks. The test didn’t disappoint.”
Evitest Proof
Photo: s5.stc.all.kpcdn.net
The cost of a package with one tablet test is about 190 rubles.
Advantages. The main advantage rather relates to the design of the test: the tablet model allows urine to be more evenly distributed over the surface of the substrate with the reagent, which, accordingly, increases the reliability of the results. The second plus is the “purity” of the results. It is impossible to touch the reagent, which is located in the recess of the window, with your fingers, even by accident, so possible contamination of the sample (not a fantastic event, by the way) is simply excluded.
Flaws. You may feel like a professor in a chemistry laboratory who carefully and carefully introduces a special substance (urine) onto the surface of the test object (test) so that there is no explosion. Nothing will really explode, except maybe your patience if you're nervous and your hands are shaking. Therefore, it is better to conduct “experiments” at home, where you can relax (or at least pretend) and finish what you started.
conclusions. One of the best tablet pregnancy tests when it comes to the accuracy of the results. And this is the main reason why you decided to buy it, isn’t it? This means that giving it a rating of 10 out of 10 would be correct and fair.
Pregnancy tests can be divided into several specific groups.
Test strips coated with a special substance
This test must be placed in a container with urine, wait 30 seconds and determine the result by the number of tinted stripes. Such tests are relatively cheap, very popular, but very inaccurate. The strips may not be saturated or, conversely, oversaturated.
Tablet tests
Plate tests are more reliable than test strips. But best test during pregnancy and is correspondingly more expensive. This test looks like a plate with two windows - the liquid enters one of them, interacts with the reagent, and after the reaction is completed, you can see the result in the second window. This test also does not give a 100% reliable result.
Inkjet tests
The best pregnancy test is the jet test. It contains special blue particles that very tenaciously grab onto human chorionic gonadotropin if it is in the urine (i.e. if a girl). The result can be obtained a minute after the start of the test. The price of such a test is significantly higher than the others.
Accurate diagnosis
The reliability of all these tests is actually not very high, because the production of hCG is a gradual and very slow process. The use of tests in the first days of a suspected pregnancy, even before a missed period, gives extremely inaccurate results. This is also influenced by correct use, storage quality and, most importantly, the shelf life of the dough. You should read the instructions carefully before use.
If everything is done correctly, but there are doubts about the result, you need to repeat the test in a few days.
The earliest and most accurate diagnosis is provided by a clinical blood test for hCG. However, it should be remembered that the most truthful information can only be obtained at an appointment with a gynecologist, who will dispel all doubts. It is also worth remembering that a delay in menstruation can be a signal of various malfunctions genitourinary system, and chorionic hormone will be released even during an ectopic pregnancy. So in any case, in order to avoid the development of various complications, you cannot put off going to the doctor for a long time - regardless of whether the patient hopes for the long-awaited pregnancy or is trying with all her might to prevent it.
Pregnancy is a very special time in a woman’s life, happy, but also anxious. Some people dream about a child for years, but cannot get pregnant, others get pregnant by accident and take a long time to decide whether to give birth or not. Different situations there are a lot of cases, so the importance of early diagnosis cannot be overestimated.
Pregnancy tests provide us with this opportunity. They allow you to diagnose the presence or absence of pregnancy on the first day of the delay. The essence of the test is to determine a special hormone in the urine that appears there only during this period. Chorionic gonadotropin begins to be produced in a woman’s body from the first day of pregnancy and it is this that is determined by appropriate tests, but in the first days there is still little of this hormone in the urine, therefore it is recommended to wait until the delay begins and only then carry out the test. There are many types of tests today, and we will look at them and advise which one is best to choose.
Test strips
The oldest and most popular type of rapid pregnancy diagnosis is test strips or strip tests. Their popularity is due to their affordable cost and ease of use. This test is a paper strip with markings. The strip must be lowered into the container with morning urine to the special mark and wait 10-20 seconds. Morning urine contains the most hCG hormone, so this test will be most effective even in early stages of pregnancy.
After a couple of seconds, take out the strip of dough and place it on a flat surface. Then you need to wait a couple of seconds or minutes (the time is indicated in the instructions) and evaluate the result. If two stripes appear in the indicated place, it means the woman is pregnant; if one stripe appears, she is not. Other options may indicate that the test is unsuitable if it was stored or used incorrectly, or if the expiration date has simply passed.
Modern tests can diagnose pregnancy with up to 99 percent accuracy, but in practice the accuracy is much lower. This is because so many women do the test incorrectly by not following all the instructions—for example, dipping too much or too little of the urine.
The main advantage of such tests is their affordable cost.. Of course, their quality and reliability correspond to the cost, as well as ease of use. A container for collecting urine must be found separately, and if the test is underexposed or overexposed, it may show an incorrect result. In addition, incorrect results are often obtained due to the fact that the paper does not allow the correct concentration of all substances to be maintained.
The plate test is a newer and more sensitive type of test. It allows you to determine pregnancy at the earliest stages and is much more convenient to use. This test consists of a plastic tablet with windows and a pipette. Using a pipette, you need to collect a drop of urine and apply it to a special window on the tablet. The liquid gets onto the fabric located inside the tablet, spreads and ends up on the strip with the reagent. There the urine reacts, and the colorless tissue becomes colored, which becomes visible in another window.
The very first home pregnancy test based on determining hCG levels was invented by Margaret Crane in 1968. It consisted of a container with reagents and a pipette, with the help of which a drop of urine fell into the container.
Plate pregnancy test – positive result
This test is more advanced than inexpensive strip tests, but its cost is much higher. Among its advantages is that there is no need to immerse the dough in liquid. In order to apply urine to the test plate, a special pipette is included. The main disadvantage is that in order to collect urine into a pipette, you still need a container, which is not included in the kit.
Jet method
The jet test is the third generation of pregnancy tests. It has a more complex device and high sensitivity, which makes it possible to recognize pregnancy at very short notice. Such a test contains a special layer of sensitive particles that reliably attach to the hCG hormone, if it is, of course, contained in the urine, and allow it to be detected, and, therefore, to diagnose pregnancy. The inkjet test allows you to get the result within a minute after use and guarantees its reliability. But its cost is much higher than that of simple strip strips.
Jet test - positive result
One of the main advantages of the jet test is the ability to use it in any conditions.. In order to carry out diagnostics, you do not need to collect urine in a special container, which will greatly simplify the process. You just need to place the receiving end of the test under a stream of urine. This will be enough to see the result in a couple of minutes.
Before major baseball games, players are sometimes given pregnancy tests. This is due to the peculiarities of the effects of hCG on men. It can be taken to increase strength and endurance, so in this situation, a pregnancy test works like a drug test.
The receiving end of the test has the form of a rod with many microscopic tubules through which the liquid rises into the test system cassette. There is a substance that allows you to determine the presence of pregnancy from the first day of the delay or even a little earlier. It is also worth remembering that such tests can be used at any time of the day due to their high sensitivity. This test has all the advantages, and the only drawback– quite high cost.
The most convenient method
An electronic pregnancy test is the most convenient, but it is still the same jet test, only significantly improved. It is complemented by a small screen on which the words “pregnant” appears if the woman is pregnant, and the words “not pregnant” if not. This allows you to avoid straining your eyes while looking at the test in search of a stripe or a subtle change in color.
Electronic test screen - negative result Electronic test screen - positive result
This test is ideal for women who are used to doubting themselves and their abilities.. There is no need to double-check anything here - the test will tell you everything itself. But we must take into account that its cost is high. Many may think that it makes no sense to overpay for a regular test, even if it is high-quality and reliable, if its only advantage is the presence of a screen with an inscription.
How to make the right choice (Video)
When choosing a pregnancy test, you need to consider its sensitivity. Tests with a sensitivity of 10 mIU/ml (international units per ml) are more effective and can detect pregnancy earlier because they detect hCG in lower concentrations. Such a test will show the presence of pregnancy much earlier than a test with a sensitivity of 20 mIU/ml. The most effective tests show pregnancy within 7-10 days from the moment of conception, even before the onset of delay.
In addition to sensitivity, when choosing a test, you can pay attention to other indicators. One of the most important is the name of the manufacturer. It's no secret that they are small, no one knows well-known companies are more often caught defective than manufacturers who have long earned a good name in the market. This rule also applies when choosing a test.
It is also important to pay attention to the cost of the test. Its price primarily depends on the quality of the materials and reagents used. In most cases, this means that the cheaper the test, the worse the materials and the lower the accuracy of the result.
When purchasing a test, it is very important to examine its packaging. It must indicate all the necessary information about the product and its manufacturer, the date of manufacture and expiration date, its series number and telephone number. feedback with the manufacturer. There must be instructions and bags of moisture absorber inside. The test itself must be at least 3 millimeters wide.
In the 20s of the last century, scientists Bernard Zondek and Selmar Aschheim came up with the idea of diagnosing pregnancy using rabbits. The woman’s urine was injected into the rabbit and, if pregnant, this led to changes in the animal’s cycle.
If a test confirms pregnancy, this does not mean you don’t have to visit a doctor.. It is advisable to get to the LC as early as possible to exclude ectopic pregnancy, which, although quite rare, is a serious danger, and also to confirm the normal course of intrauterine pregnancy.
Some passionately dream of having a child, while others realize with horror that an accidental mistake in the form of unprotected sexual intercourse can radically change their lives. Can help get rid of doubts early pregnancy test . The principle of operation of all products presented on pharmacy shelves is almost the same: they allow you to find out whether conception has occurred or not even before visiting a doctor. However, for the results to be correct, it is worth knowing the principle of operation of the product and how to carry it out correctly.
Read in this article
How does the test determine pregnancy?
The best early pregnancy tests have increased sensitivity. Manufacturers use quality materials, so the products cannot be too cheap.
The main principle of action: due to the content of a unique substance on the strip that will interact with urine, the level of the hCG hormone is established. If conception has taken place, then the production of human chorionic gonadotropin increases even before the delay, which gives rise to the appearance of two stripes.
It is worth noting that the results will be correct starting from 7-10 days after sex and provided that it coincides with the time of ovulation. After all, it is then that the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. HCG begins to increase from this moment, increasing gradually every two days. Doctors also note that the maximum concentration of the hormone is observed on days 8-10, after which its level will decrease slightly. If a woman has a multiple pregnancy, then hCG will increase in proportion to the number of fetuses. It is worth noting that if there are problems (ectopic implantation of the fetus, threat of miscarriage), the hormone will be lowered.
How and when to test to get an accurate result
Previously, an early pregnancy test was carried out exclusively using morning urine. Reliable data could be obtained without leaving home. Now actively selling most early test for pregnancy , which is called jet. It allows you to conduct research at any time of the day.
And yet, doctors recommend not to rush to find out the result, but to wait for your period. If the delay is more than three days, do an analysis. If you are still tormented by doubts, then how to determine early pregnancy The gynecologist knows for sure. He will examine the condition of the discharge, and also, with the help of additional tests, will accurately determine whether the long-awaited event has happened or not.
Can the test show incorrect data?
Sometimes it happens that a girl has everything, but the test is negative . Usually this is encountered by those who really want to quickly find out what is under the heart of a child. From the first days of the delay, or even immediately after sex, they begin to feel all the main symptoms: the nipples became very sensitive, the pain increased, and vomiting began in the morning. If these symptoms occur separately, then it is too early to talk about conception. For example, nausea and vomiting may indicate problems with the gastrointestinal tract. As for the delay, it also occurs due to inflammation of the appendages.
The test is negative, but there is confidence in conception
If you are sure that negative pregnancy test - nothing more than a mistake, visit a gynecologist. The doctor will be able to accurately determine whether it was possible to conceive a child. At a very early stage, for an accurate diagnosis of the condition, Ultrasound to determine pregnancy and a urine test for hCG hormone levels. Usually they guess about their interesting situation even before all the diagnostic methods confirm it for women who are not already pregnant for the first time.
If you're wondering why doesn't the test show? long-awaited two flats, then either you spent it very early, incorrectly, or it is expired or of poor quality, or while you are wishful thinking. Erroneous readings can also occur if a woman has an irregular cycle, and she wants to see the result much earlier than the embryo has time to consolidate. For irregular cycles, it is recommended to use the express method only after menstruation is delayed for more than a week.
Unfortunately, there are more unpleasant reasons why pregnancy test before delay and after it it will stubbornly show a negative result, even though it was possible to conceive. The following can affect the erroneous indicator of the hCG hormone:
- threat of breakdown, or;
- the presence of pathology and chronic diseases of cardio-vascular system, kidney.
The accuracy of the diagnosis can also be changed if diuretics were taken or a lot of liquid was drunk before the test. Wait a few days and test again. Or immediately visit a gynecologist to get a 100% accurate answer about your condition.
False positive test
Although the manufacturers claim that early pregnancy test accuracy is 99%, sometimes it turns out to be false positive. This situation occurs for various reasons, the main one of which is a violation of the amount of the hCG hormone under the influence of certain factors. These include:
- oncological diseases;
- the state of the body after spontaneous abortion or miscarriage;
- when taking medications used to treat infertility;
- others.
In the presence of cancer, even in men, a test showing pregnancy in the early stages will be positive! If you are absolutely sure that the baby could not have been conceived this month, first rule out all the factors that give a false result, and then conduct the examination again or consult a doctor.
Weak positive test
It happens that express early pregnancy test will show one clear and second blurred stripe. This can happen if the product was stored incorrectly (for example, without protective packaging) or if it has expired. We can also consider the situation when the test is positive, but there are no signs of pregnancy as a sign of conception. However, it has not yet been accurately identified because too little time has passed.
How to properly conduct a rapid examination
The reliability of the results will also be influenced by external factors. To find out for sure whether it’s time to prepare to become a mother, you need to take the following steps:
- Inspect the packaging for damage.
- Check the expiration date of the product.
- Prepare a clean container and create conditions as close to sterile as possible.
- It is better to use morning urine, but if you have not had your period for a long time, then any time of day will do.
- Wash and dry your hands before starting the test.
- Take out the test strip and lower it to the indicated level.
- Put it on dry towel or a napkin.
- The result can be seen in one to three minutes.
Types of tests, their pros and cons
In a pharmacy, it’s not difficult to get lost among the product options offered. For clarity, all are positive and negative points from the use of various tests are collected in a table:
| Type of test | Positive characteristics | Disadvantages of use |
| Test strips (strip tests) - fabric or paper products, the surface of which is impregnated with a reagent |
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| Plate tests are plastic boxes that contain test strips. Using the pipette included in the kit, a drop of urine is applied to one window, and the result is displayed in the second. |
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| Inkjet tests - modern products, externally resembling a writing pen. It is based on a complex device with a fibrous rod, which is formed from tubules (through which the liquid rises to the part with the reagents). |
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| Electronic tests - analogous to conventional strip strips |
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When choosing among the entire assortment at the pharmacy, you should not settle on the cheapest option. The likelihood of obtaining an accurate result with such a product is low, since manufacturers save on important reagents. If the test shows two lines, but there are no other signs and conception is unlikely, this is a reason to consult a doctor and get examined. Indeed, in such a situation, pregnancy with pathologies and serious diseases that pose a threat to the health of the mother and child are possible.
