How to use pregnancy test strip?

Congratulations! If you’re reading this, it means that you have found yourself in the exciting and nerve-wracking world of taking a pregnancy test. Whether you are hoping for two lines or bracing yourself for one line (or NO LINE), understanding how to use a pregnancy test strip is important. Not only can it save you time and money, but proper usage ensures that your anxiety doesn’t go haywire while waiting for results.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of pee-sticks!

What is a Pregnancy Test Strip?

A pregnancy test strip is an unrecognized superstar – small enough to fit in your pocket, yet powerful enough to determine whether or not there’s another human growing inside of you. These strips detect levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) which rises significantly after implantation takes place (Implantation, insert eye-roll here). In other words, these tests are designed solely to assess whether fertilization has occurred successfully or not.

In addition, most FDA-approved at-home pregnancy tests produce accurate results throughout the first 8 weeks after conception.(And no conspiracy theorists- we’re not going into how they might be inaccurate due to some corporate conspiracy theories)

When should You Use It?

The question above probably made the little hamster running round on his wheel in your head start spinning even faster than he was before.The answer depends on when exactly fertilization and implantation occur since hCG levels do not rise significantly until implantation starts.In simpler terms(At least I hope so ), wait untilafterenough time has passed post-sex/Ovulation cycle(pick any/both.This information isn’t relevant right now.)for implantationto occur(~10 days).(Double check my scientific facts though!)

While some tests claim to be able detect as early as four days before expected period .But let’s be real, “the more the time between fertilization and testing ensures accuracy.”
This also gives you enough buffer before your brain starts spinning rounds like a ferris wheel just imagining possibilities of parenthood.

Types of Pregnancy Test Strips

Before we get into how to use these test strips properly, quick heads up on types so that you don’t dive blindly head first through the aisles at Walgreens looking for one.

  • Traditional stick-tests- These require urine collection in a cup or directly
    under stream followed by dipping/getting/picking/swabbing(I’m serious. Call it whatever makes sense.)
    The correct way is mentioned below.

  • Cassette pregnancy tests- They sound cool but well they work similarly as traditional ones( except with an extra step).

Just pick whichever seems fancier because both are capable of producing accurate results (under right usage)!

How to Use It?

Here’s where shit gets real, folks! All jokes aside, using a pregnancy test strip may seem straightforward, but small missteps can lead to inaccurate readings. Let’s go over some practical steps:

Step 1: Pick your Strip Test

Whichever kind you decide to buy from your local pharmacy aisle should come with basic instructions for use inside its packet..Have patience unlike I who didn’t read anything .Read closely not all packets might have detailed/precise instruction manual though ‘if it ain’t broke , don’t fix mindset’ girl- Do yourself a favour and verify.

Step 2: Try Not To Pee Like A Racehorse pre-test collection? Holding times vary based on each individual.t So ideally try avoid drinking fluids for few hours before testing(In case of emergencies /moments similar situations multiple trips allowed :p)

Too much liquid intake leads cause dilution which could affect levels detected by hCG strips(refer implantation section if this sounds jargon-y)

Step 3: Conduct The Test (or the art of dipping urine sticks!)

Now that you’ve got your test strips ready, it’s time to jump onto testing –

  1. Open the packet and read any instructions thoroughly(we’re stealing Harry Potter’s mantle for this)
    #ProTip : Don’t use your teeth.

  2. Collect urine in clean container or hold strip directly under stream (directly after holding off peeing straight away at the very start can skew results)

  3. For tests that require a dip- Dip just halfway into collected urine (Inserting two-thirds way makes absolutaely no difference I PROMISE). In case of cassette style tests pick up required volume mentioned before doing anything.

Reading Results

Alrighty then, now you have gone through steps correctly!You’ve held in pee successfully(long enough for your brain explode )and floated approximately pee stained stick(certain amount is acceptable area based on certain brands) but reading test could be tricky in itself.And no I don’t mean squinting

  • If one line appears(don’t fret until second comes up), there are chances possibility(result might vary even more than tea variations though!)that no pregnancy has occurred = Negative result
  • If two lines become visible my friend its time to celebrate!(but still conduct retest cause truthfully.. better safe than sorry,right?)

Some newer kits display “pregnant’ or ‘not pregnant’ while some give an estimate how many weeks since implantation(be sure not confuse them with storks flying over head).

In worst cases nothing shows , either refer instruction manual again/repeat(correctly this this!!)
False negatives/positives occur due accurate negative when hCG levels low(sometimes home kit manufacture failings as well).If period maybe common sense speaks louder creating accurate output.

There you have it – everything you ever wanted to know about at-home pregnancy test strips( and then some). Now that you understood the steps necessary for proper usage, go ahead and pick whatever strip calls your name along pharmacy aisle.You now have an incredible superpower in your hands! And if nothing else.. our guarantee is – this guide taught you how to handle-test (pun intended) like a pro.

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