I am sure you have seen a C on a pregnancy test. Do you know the meaning of the C (control line) ? The Control line on the pregnancy test shows the test is working. Along with the control line, you will see a “T” ( Test line) on the pregnancy test.
The test line tells us the pregnancy test result, whether you are pregnant or not. You may get a pink line, dark or light. You may also get invalid results on the pregnancy test. Hit the content to get info about the C on a pregnancy test and how the pregnancy test work to show you pregnancy results.
How Does a Pregnancy Test Work?
A small device that can tell you about the result of your pregnancy within a few seconds works on a chemical paper inserted into the pregnancy test. The chemical paper reacts with the urine sample and shows the result by showing pink lines on the pregnancy test window.
Most women first take the pregnancy test work to confirm their pregnancy, then go to the healthcare provider for more surety about it. The pregnancy tests are almost 99% accurate if taken correctly.
The main task of the home pregnancy test is to detect the amount of the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin hormone(hCG). The hormone is only present in the urine of the pregnant woman. As you put 3 to 4 drops of urine in the testing area, the inserted chemical paper reacts with the urine and shows the pink lines in the pregnancy test window.
You are pregnant if you see two pink lines on the pregnancy test window. If the region C on a pregnancy test shows you only one pink line, the pregnancy test results are negative, and you are not pregnant. This is how the pregnancy test tells about your pregnancy.
What is the Meaning of C on a Pregnancy Test?
The C on a pregnancy test:- Control line
The ‘T’ on a pregnancy test:- Test line
The control and test lines work together to tell you the most exact result of the pregnancy test. The C on a pregnancy test validates that the pregnancy kit is working and you have taken all the instructions correctly.
And the ‘T’ on a pregnancy test tells you the pregnancy test result. The pregnancy test has divided into three sections that confirm your pregnancy. You see the sample area where you need to put the urine sample through the dropper that is come with the pregnancy test kit.
The pink line first creates on control line band that tells you the pregnancy test kit is working. Now the test line will show you the result of your pregnancy. If you see one pink line on the test line band also, the pregnancy test is positive.
But one more pink line does not create on the test line band, which means the pregnancy test results are negative and you are not pregnant. The test line works to tell about pregnancy results, and the control line assures that the pregnancy test equipment is working.
If you put the urine sample in the testing area but get an empty window, there is no C on a pregnancy test, or ‘T’ on a pregnancy test means the pregnancy test is not working. The second reason is not taking the proper instructions while taking the pregnancy test.
What Can Be the Reasons For Not Working Of the Pregnancy Test?
Here are some reasons for not working of the pregnancy test:
Expired Pregnancy Kit
If you use the expired pregnancy kit, you may get invalid or no results on the pregnancy kit window. Like the other products, the pregnancy kits also have an expiry date mentioned on the Pack.
After the expiry date, the chemical paper does not work properly to detect pregnancy. In that case, you may get false pregnancy results or no line on the C on a pregnancy test and ‘T’ on a pregnancy test.
Note:- Always check the expiry date of the pregnancy test before purchasing it.
Storage of the Pregnancy Test Kit
Storage can also affect the working of the pregnancy test kit. You should not keep the pregnancy kit in the refrigerator. And also, ensure the pregnancy kit doesn’t come directly in contact with the sun’s rays.
Make sure the pregnancy kit doesn’t fall on any surface. It can damage the pregnancy results, and you may not find any line on the ‘T’ or C on a pregnancy test.
Drop Water or Any Liquid on the Pregnancy Kit
The pregnancy test kits can be used only once. The chemical paper can only react once with any liquid. If any liquid accidentally falls on the pregnancy test, it can damage the pregnancy kit, whether you will get false pregnancy results or no line on the control panel.
The pregnancy test window is also not waterproof. If it comes in contact with any liquid, it may damage or blur to show you clear lines on the pregnancy test window.
What Are the Instructions to Avoid Not Finding a C on a Pregnancy Test?
If you are not following the instructions mentioned on the pack correctly, you may not get ‘T’ or C on a pregnancy test. Here are some instructions that you should follow to get the most accurate results of the test:
Check Out the Expiry Date
As I also mentioned earlier in the post, the expiry pregnancy test may show an empty window or false results, so always check the pregnancy test before using it. If no C on a pregnancy test develops, then grab and retake another pregnancy test.
Hold the Pregnancy Test Carefully
Handle the pregnancy test carefully. It should not fall on the floor; otherwise, the pregnancy test device will destroy. You may find no (control line) C on a pregnancy test.
Put Urine Sample Carefully
You will get the dropper with some pregnancy test kit, then use the dropper carefully and put at least 3 to 4 drops of the urine for testing. It would help if you collected your urine sample in a glass or bottle, then use a dropper and put the urine sample correctly in the sample area to get correct pregnancy test results.
Some pregnancy test brands suggest directly peeing on the pregnancy test and then doing it correctly to avoid any risk of no getting the C on a pregnancy test. The pregnancy test window is not waterproof, so the urine shouldn’t fall on the pregnancy test window.
Read Mentioned Steps On The Pack
All the pregnancy tests, like home pregnancy, digital pregnancy, etc., work on the same principle to detect the amount of hCG in the urine, but the steps of taking a pregnancy test may differ.
Make sure to read the mentioned steps on the pregnancy test patiently. And take pregnancy tests accordingly to get right pregnancy result or reduce the risk of not getting the C on a pregnancy test.
What Are the Instructions to Avoid Getting False Pregnancy Test Results?
Take the Pregnancy Test Early morning
You can avoid getting a false pregnancy test result by following the below-listed instructions:
Medical experts always suggest taking the pregnancy test with the morning’s first urine to get the most reliable pregnancy results. The amount of the hCG is high in the first urine of the morning, so the pregnancy test can easily detect it in the urine whether there is less amount of hCG in your urine.
Don’t Read Pregnancy Test Results Too Early
When you put the drop of urine in the testing area, the urine starts to travel through the indicator window, and you may see the result on the window and wait until the process completes. Don’t read the pregnancy result too early, and dispose of the kit.
The time is also mentioned on the Pack, so read it and wait till the suggested time to get the most accurate pregnancy results.
Dip Test in a Cup
You need to pee directly on some pregnancy test strips, but in that way, the pregnancy test kit can destroy, and it may show no C on a pregnancy test. You may also get false pregnancy test results.
The best way to collect your urine sample in a cup and immerse the pregnancy test strip for the mentioned time on the pack is to get correct pregnancy results.
Set A Time
Read the mentioned time on the pack and set a timer to get right pregnancy results. If the 5 minutes or 10 minutes are mentioned on the Pack, and if you get the result after that time means the results are false or incorrect.
Everything you should know before taking the test is mentioned on the packaging. Still, most women get anxious about their pregnancy and take the pregnancy test incorrectly and get false pregnancy results or no C on a pregnancy test.
Is C On A Pregnancy Test Negative?
Yes, if you see only C on the pregnancy test, the result is negative, and you are not pregnant.
Taking a pregnancy test too early can cause getting only control line on the pregnancy test window. The hCG begins to build at least 7 to 14 days after conception. If you are taking the test before it, you may be pregnant but get a negative pregnancy test result.
The best time is to take the pregnancy test is the day after missed periods. Many pregnancy tests can detect the pregnancy after one day of your missing period. Always get the pregnancy test after you miss a period to avoid any risk of grabbing false pregnancy and invalid results.
Does C Mean Positive On A Pregnancy Test Window?
No, if you see only C on a pregnancy test means the pregnancy test is negative. Getting the control line on pregnancy test doesn’t mean positive result. If you get both the control and test lines on the pregnancy test window, then only the pregnancy test is positive.
A positive pregnancy test means the test detected the amount of hCG in your urine and you are pregnant. The hCG is only found in the body of a pregnant woman. If you get a positive pregnancy test, then immediately talk to your healthcare provider about taking prenatal vitamins for the development of the fetus. Adopt the pregnancy lifestyle and make your food choices healthy to get sufficient nutrients to enjoy the entire pregnancy.
What Is Dark C Line On Pregnancy Test?
As I mentioned earlier, C is the control line that indicates that a pregnancy test device is working. If you put a urine sample in the testing area, the device will react and give you the correct pregnancy test results. You can rely on the pregnancy test if you see only a dark C line on a pregnancy test; you are not pregnant. But don’t lose hope. Retake another pregnancy test after one week. There are chances you may get a positive pregnancy test. But still, then you will only c line on a pregnancy test. Immediately visit your healthcare provider to know the exact reason for getting a missed period.
There is good news for you if you see both C and T lines on a pregnancy test. You are pregnant. Now take the next step: visit your healthcare provider for the precautions and care you need to enjoy a happy and healthy pregnancy.
Conclusion
Mostly you will find two regions, “T” or C on a pregnancy test. The control line develops to assure you that your pregnancy kit is in good condition to detect your pregnancy. The test line on the pregnancy test kit tells you the pregnancy results.
One pink line in the region C on a pregnancy test shows you are not pregnant. Two pink lines indicated your pregnancy, one in the C region and the second in the T region. To avoid invalid results, read all the instructions mentioned on the pack.
If you have any doubt about the pregnancy test result, then visit your healthcare provider to know the exact result of your pregnancy.
FAQ’s : C On A Pregnancy Test
Here are the most asked questions about the C on a pregnancy test that will help you to get rid of the confusion about taking the pregnancy test:
Q. What if I see C line is dark and the T line is light on a pregnancy test?
A. You are pregnant. If you get the faint test line, maybe you are testing your pregnancy early. Retake the test after three or four days; the lighter line becomes darker this time.
Q. Which line develops first in pregnancy test C or T?
A. Whatever the results, you will find that you will see a “C” line on a pregnancy test first, as it indicates the test is working. After that, the “T” confirms your pregnancy.
Q. Is the C on a pregnancy test negative or positive?
A. If you find only a control line on the pregnancy test window, the pregnancy test result is negative.
Q. Why is the C faint in pregnancy test?
A. The C line on a pregnancy test is usually fainter than the T line because it’s designed to indicate that the test is working properly, rather than indicating the presence of pregnancy hormone.
Q. How does a negative pregnancy test look like?
A. A negative pregnancy test typically shows only one line, which appears at the control (C) line. This means that the test is working correctly, but it does not indicate pregnancy.
Q. Is C positive or negative pregnancy?
A. The C line on a pregnancy test indicates the control line and is not an indicator of pregnancy. It shows that the test is working correctly. A positive result requires the appearance of a second line at the test (T) line.
Q. Does one line at C mean negative?
A. Yes, one line at the control (C) line on a pregnancy test means that the test is working properly but there is no pregnancy.