Taking a pregnancy test is simple, but understanding how to use a pregnancy test strip can be difficult for some. If you are nodding your head,
Taking a pregnancy test is simple, but understanding how to use a pregnancy test strip can be difficult for some. If you are nodding your head, this post is for you.
How to Use a Pregnancy Test Strip
A pregnancy test strip is used to determine if you are pregnant or not. If you have missed your period and want to know if you are pregnant or not, you can do so by using a pregnancy test strip.
Reports show that most pregnancy test strips are around 99% accurate when used correctly. What’s more? Pregnancy test strips are OTC and do not require a doctor’s prescription to purchase.
You can get a pregnancy test strip from your local drug stores and pharmacies around you. This method can detect pregnancy as soon as 7 to 10 days after conception. Still, it is advisable to wait until you miss your period before doing a pregnancy test for the most accurate results.
How Does a Pregnancy Test Strip Work?
The pregnancy test strip works by detecting the presence of HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) in a woman’s urine. HCG stands for pregnancy hormone. This hormone is produced as soon as a woman becomes pregnant.
How to use the pregnancy test strip?
The pregnancy test strip is straightforward to use. You can follow the simple steps below on how to use a pregnancy test strip correctly to know whether you are pregnant or not:
Step 1
Collect a reasonable quantity (about half a glass) of your urine in a clean, dry transparent container, preferably plastic or glass. Always use your first early morning urine for the test, as this has the highest concentration of HCG.
Step 2
Dip the pregnancy test strip into the urine with the arrows on the test strip pointing into the urine. It is vital to ensure that the test strip does not go deeper into the urine than the indicated level on the test strip.
Step 3
After about 10-15 seconds, take out the pregnancy strip and lay it on a clean, dry and flat surface for about one to two minutes.
Step 4
Read the lines on the pregnancy test strip and interpret the results accordingly.
The appearance of one line on the pregnancy test strip means the test is negative, and as such, you are not pregnant.
The appearance of two-coloured lines on the pregnancy test strip means that you are pregnant.
Note that the thickness of the second line doesn’t matter.
Carry out the test again after two days to confirm your results to avoid false-negative or false-positive results.
NB:
Some test strips may require you to draw the urine into a tube and drop it onto the test strip instead of dipping it directly into the urine. Whatever the case may be, always read the instruction manual attached to the test strip for details on using a particular test strip.
See Also:
COMMENTS