The first-timer may confuse about how to use a pregnancy test strip to get the most accurate results. There is various type of pregnancy test available in the market. You can choose any of them, but you must follow the proper steps to get the correct pregnancy test results. Fret not because you can easily take the pregnancy test by following some simple steps.
Further in the article, you will get the right way to take a pregnancy test; besides it, there is so much about pregnancy test strips. Stay Tuned.
How Does a Pregnancy Test Strip Work?
A pregnancy test is a device that can confirm your pregnancy within a few seconds. They work based on the chemical paper that reacts with the urine to determine the hormone hCG level in the woman’s body.
The hCG is the hormone that is only present in the pregnant woman’s body. The pregnancy test strip shows the result based on the absence or presence of the pregnancy hormone hCG. The hormone starts to produce after almost one week of the conception, which is why the doctor also advise to take a pregnancy test 4 or 5 days after the missed period to get the most accurate pregnancy result.
How Do I Use a Pregnancy Test Strip?
When women learn about their missed period, they first prefer to take a pregnancy test at home before consulting with any healthcare provider. To avoid any confusion about the pregnancy test result, you need to follow the steps written on the box or pack.
The pregnancy test is 99% accurate if taken correctly. Don’t worry. The steps are simple. Only you need to be calm while taking a pregnancy test as sometimes women don’t follow all instructions due to excessive anxiety about their pregnancy.
So, take a deep breath and open the pack of the pregnancy test strip.
- You need to collect the urine sample in a clean container.
- Place the strip in the urine sample for at least 8 seconds (recommend 10 seconds), making sure the arrows are pointing down.
- Remove the pregnancy test strip and put it on a flat surface to know the results.
- Now, wait for at least 40 sec to see the control and test line. If you get positive results within 40 sec, it is okay, but in the case of a negative pregnancy test, you have to wait for at least 5 minutes to complete the reaction.
Please read the Instructions and time mentioned on the pack, as it may be slightly different according to the pregnancy test brands.
How To Read Pregnancy Test Strips?
Here are the guidelines for reading out the pregnancy test:
Positive Pregnancy Results
The two pink lines on the pregnancy test indicate a positive pregnancy result which means you are pregnant. Whether the test line is lighter or dark, you are pregnant in both cases. The lighter pink line shows the level of the hCG is low in your body. But you are pregnant. It is confirmed.
Negative Pregnancy Results
The result is negative if you see only one line on the pregnancy test. You are not pregnant, or you are testing too early. If unsure about the pregnancy results, retake the pregnancy test within 48 hours with a new strip.
Invalid Results
If you see no line anywhere on the pregnancy test strip, that means the pregnancy test has not worked, and you get invalid results. It may happen if you use an expired pregnancy test or don’t store it carefully, as the strip can get damaged if it falls on the floor. You need to retake the pregnancy test with the new strip to know about your pregnancy.
What Should I Do If the Pregnancy Test Strip Is Positive?
If you get a pregnancy test positive, you need to consult with your healthcare provider to know the pregnancy lifestyles, prenatal vitamins, and other precautions that you need to take for the baby’s proper growth.
The first three months of pregnancy are very crucial as there are high chances of miscarriage at that time. So, it is important to consult your midwife about what to eat during pregnancy. Take suggestions about your morning walk or exercise routine to enjoy throughout pregnancy.
Your healthcare provider will also instruct you about your water intake, sleep, and other routines to get the healthiest baby in your hand.
Conclusion
Within seconds you can know about your pregnancy using a pregnancy test strip. All needed guidelines are mentioned on the packs, so you should read them before taking a pregnancy test. If you get a positive pregnancy test, you should meet your healthcare provider to know about all precautions to follow for the proper growth of the fetus.
If you get negative pregnancy test results but have doubts about the results, then retake the pregnancy test after 3 to 4 days. The best time to take a pregnancy test after 4 to 5 days after a missed period. Note:- It is recommended to use the morning’s first urine to get more accurate pregnancy results.
FAQ’s
Here are the answers to the most asked questions about how to use pregnancy test strips. Read them Carefully:
Q. How accurate are pregnancy test?
A. The pregnancy tests are 99% accurate if you follow all the instructions mentioned on the pregnancy test.
Q. How long do I have to wait for the results of a pregnancy test strip?
A. You must wait at least 2 to 5 minutes for pregnancy test results.
Q. Can I use a pregnancy test strip if I am on birth control?
A. If you feel your birth control has failed, you can use a pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy.
Q. Can a pregnancy test strip give a false positive or false negative result?
A. Yes, it can happen if you are using the expired pregnancy test or on medication like Sleeping tablets or infertility medication that can affect the pregnancy test result.
Q. Is it better to dip a pregnancy test or pee on it?
A. Most tests allow placing the absorbent tip in the urine stream for 5 seconds or dipping the tip in a collected urine sample for five to 20 seconds. The accuracy of the pregnancy test result does not depend on the method as long as you follow the instructions.