How to read the result of a pregnancy test?

A slight delay in menstruation, morning nausea, pain in the mammary gland, and change in taste preferences — all these symptoms may be the early signs of pregnancy. If you think you are pregnant, get a pregnancy test.

   Before starting the test, be sure to read the instructions for use. Despite all modern pregnancy tests having the same principle of functioning, they also have some differences, and ignorance or non-compliance with the IFU during testing may cause invalid test results.

   Modern pregnancy tests allow you to carry the testing any time of the day, but remember, the concentration of hCG (pregnancy hormone) is the highest in the morning urine sample. That is why it is better to carry the test in the morning. It is not recommended to drink many fluids or take diuretics before testing.

   After you have read the instructions and made the test appropriately, you have to read the result.

   Almost all tests have an area where colored stripes should appear:

C (control line) — indicates that the test was made correctly, the testing system is functioning well, and the results are reliable.

T (test line) — this line indicates that there is hCG (pregnancy hormone) in the urine sample. The appearance of this colored line on the test indicates a possible pregnancy.

How to read the result of a pregnancy test?

Pregnancy test result:

Pregnancy test results can be: positive (pregnancy is possible) or negative (pregnancy is unlikely). In most cases, a positive test result is determined by the appearance of a second colored line (T). A pale, faintly colored second test line (T) can also mean a positive result though (to become sure) the test should be repeated after a few days.

There are three possible results of the testing:

• One visible line (C) on the test — means that there is no pregnancy. The result is considered to be confirmed if the second colored line (T) does not appear within 10 minutes.
• Two colored lines on the test indicate the pregnancy. Most often, the result appears within 5-10 minutes. Not bright or slightly colored test line (T) indicates that hCG (pregnancy hormone) is present in the urine sample, but in a small quantity, which can happen when the test was applied at too short a period of pregnancy (when the level of the required hormone is still insufficient to determine the condition), or that the test was carried out not in the morning.
• No colored lines — testing is not performed correctly, or the test is broken. The reasons for the misuse of the testing can be:

— keeping the test in a horizontal position for 5-10 minutes;

— insufficient amount of urine sample on the test strip.

The result of a pregnancy test cannot be reliable if:

— you are using a test that has expired;

— there is a pathological pregnancy;

— the diagnosis of chorion epithelioma (tumor, the ratio of pregnancy hormones changes dramatically);

— when dysfunctional ovarian diseases are diagnosed.

Dear women, please, remember that only an experienced gynecologist can determine pregnancy 100%, so we recommend not postponing the visit to the specialist.