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How does a pregnancy test work. Test strip: principle of operation. The best pregnancy test: a review of foreign and domestic tests

Choosing the best pregnancy test is quite problematic, as each has its own advantages and disadvantages: some are too expensive, others are inconvenient to use, and others do not always show accurate information. How to choose the best test? What to look for when buying and how to use it correctly so as not to get a false result?

Tests can be found not only in pharmacies, they are often sold in supermarkets and small shops. Analyzers for early detection of pregnancy are presented in a wide range of prices depending on the manufacturer and type.

The action of a pregnancy test is based on the mechanism of interaction of a special substance with chorionic gonadotropin (). This hormone begins to be intensively produced in the female body after a short time after conception. It is produced by the embryo starting from the eighth day after the fusion of the male and female gametes or the day after the fertilized egg in the uterine cavity.

The test is based on the method of immunochromatography. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the substance that needs to be detected combines with antibodies to it, resulting in a positive reaction. When determining pregnancy, such a substance is hCG.

An active substance with a coloring agent is applied to the test strip. When urine enters, a gradual movement of hCG occurs, and when the “positive reaction” strip is reached, the dye is released and shows the result. If there is no chorionic gonadotropin in the urine, then the staining of the second line will not occur.

When a hormone appears in the urine, its concentration increases twice every day. On the 7-10th day after the fusion of the egg and sperm, the amount of chorionic gonadotropin reaches 25 mIU / ml, and the peak of its concentration can be observed between the eighth and eleventh weeks of pregnancy.

It is difficult to answer unequivocally which pregnancy test is better, since there are a large number of different types. Tests with high sensitivity to hCG can detect pregnancy after a week.

Review of the best tests of foreign production

There are a large number of diagnostic strips that can be called the best early pregnancy tests. All of them are divided into several groups, depending on the degree of sensitivity and material.

Strip test

The most common and affordable pregnancy tests used in the early stages.

Frautest Express - a paper test strip packed in an individual bag and a box with instructions. The sensitivity is 15 mIU/ml. The advantages of the test include low cost, ease of use, quick results (after 3-5 minutes).

According to the manufacturer, the reliability of the results reaches 99% even when used 1-2 days before the expected date of the start of menstruation. However, user reviews do not always match this statement.

Of the negative sides - the need to use containers for collecting urine.

How to use the test strip:

  1. Read the instructions.
  2. Fill the container with urine.
  3. Open the individual pouch and remove the test strip.
  4. Dip the test into a glass of urine to the indicated level and wait 10 seconds.
  5. Place on a horizontal surface.
  6. Evaluate the results after 5 minutes, but no later than 10.

Frautest Double Control has similar characteristics, the only difference is that the box contains two test strips to confirm the result.

Evitest One also applies to strip tests. The package contains one test strip. The sensitivity of hCG is 20 mIU / ml, which allows you to determine the exact result from the first day.

Advantages:

  • affordable cost;
  • clear instructions for use;
  • ease of use;
  • reliability of results 98%;
  • It is sold not only in pharmacies, but also in stores, so it will not be difficult to purchase it.

Among the shortcomings, it can be noted that the price of these products is slightly higher than for similar test strips from other manufacturers. Also, the results of the test are not always easy to decipher due to the fact that.

Evitest is easy to use:

  1. After removing from the package, dip the strip into the container with urine to the level marked on the test for 5 seconds.
  2. Evaluate the results after 3-5 minutes. The appearance of two red marks indicates the presence of pregnancy.
  3. If in doubt, a retest the next morning is recommended.

Evitest Plus contains 2 strip tests in a cardboard box and is intended for reliable pregnancy detection.

Tablet

Frautest Expert is considered to be one of the best pregnancy tests. The analyzer is a cassette with a sensitive strip enclosed inside, complete with a pipette for applying urine. The test is ultra-sensitive (15 mIU/mL) so it can be done a couple of days before your period. Accuracy - up to 99%.

Instructions for use:

  1. Collect morning urine in a container.
  2. Remove the tablet test and the included pipette from the package.
  3. Pick up a couple of drops and place them in a special window on the cassette.
  4. Place the test on a flat surface.
  5. Evaluate the received data after 5 minutes.

Of the positive characteristics, it should be noted the high accuracy of determining pregnancy, the use even with a small amount of urine, the detection of pregnancy before the start of the delay.

The disadvantages include some difficulty in application, as well as a higher price compared to test strips.

Evitest Proof – a tablet test for detecting pregnancy with a sensitivity of 20 mIU / ml and an accuracy of up to 99%. Its main advantage is the convenient design of the cassette, in which the test window is located in a recess, which eliminates the possibility of accidental contamination with fingers and changes in diagnostic results. In addition, the tablet allows the urine to be distributed more evenly, which affects the reliability of the results.

Of the negative points: to conduct the test, you need to be in comfortable conditions, preferably at home, since it is necessary to very accurately introduce a couple of drops of urine into the hole intended for this.

Instructions for use are the same for all tests of this type.

Jet

According to doctors, they give the most accurate results. To get an answer whether you are pregnant or not, diagnosis is best done in the morning, when the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine is highest.

Using inkjet tests is simple - in the process of urination, you need to substitute the analyzer under the stream of urine, wait a bit, and after 3-5 minutes get an answer to the main question.

Frautest Comfort - an ultrasensitive test that shows results at a concentration of hCG in the urine from 15mIU / ml. The special design allows the diagnostic device to be used without any difficulties and in any place where there is a toilet.

Advantages:

  • no need to collect urine;
  • convenient structure of the test;
  • the tight-fitting cap eliminates the possibility of disturbing the test results.

Disadvantages:

  • high price;
  • small risk of getting your hands dirty when urinating.

Frautest Exclusive has the same characteristics as the previous product. The only exception is the more modern appearance of the case, made in pink.

Evitest Perfect is a plastic case with a protective cover, inside which is placed a diagnostic strip. The manufacturer indicates a sensitivity of 20 mIU / ml.

Premium Diagnostics - a highly sensitive jet-type pregnancy test that gives results at a concentration of hCG from 10 mIU / ml in the urine. According to the manufacturer, this jet test allows you to establish the fact of pregnancy on the seventh day after conception.

pros:

  • ease of diagnostics;
  • high accuracy of results (99%);
  • the test can be performed at any time of the day;
  • can be used in the doctor's office to confirm the results of the examination.

There were no clearly identified negative characteristics of the test.

Electronic

To date, analyzers are the best tests for determining pregnancy.

The Digital device is one of the most modern and most accurate methods for express pregnancy diagnostics at home. It has hypersensitivity - 10mIU / ml.

Advantages:

  • the accuracy of the results exceeds 99%;
  • in addition to the presence of a pregnancy mark, the device shows on the screen the estimated period (1-2 weeks, from 2 to 3 weeks and more than 3 weeks);
  • with the established fact of fertilization, the accuracy of determining the term is 92%.

The disadvantage is the high price, exceeding the cost of all previously mentioned samples.

Instructions for using the electronic test:

  1. Place the diagnostic test site under the stream of urine, being careful not to let the urine come into contact with the rest of the device.
  2. Attach the cap and wait for the test results to appear on the screen.
  3. The test can also be used by dipping into a container of collected urine.
  4. For accurate results a few days before the expected day of menstruation, the test is best done in the morning.

Many women refer to Clearblue Digital as the best pregnancy test.

reservoir

The rarest type of pregnancy test, which is a measuring cup with a built-in test strip on its surface to determine the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin.

Such tests are difficult to find in pharmacies, they are very expensive, so their demand is very low.

Review of the best Russian-made tests

The domestic pharmaceutical industry is also engaged in the production of funds for the rapid determination of fertilization. However, today there are only a few analyzers, mainly represented by test strips. We will try to identify the best Russian-made pregnancy test.

Strip test

Russian pregnancy test strips:

  • Insure - a pregnancy test with a sensitivity of 12.5 mIU / ml. Its advantages include high accuracy of results, starting from the expected start date of "critical" days, simple and understandable instructions for use, affordable price. There are no obvious flaws, this is one of the best pregnancy tests.
  • "Rest assured" - a test popular among Russian women that shows accurate results. Strip strips are sensitive to hCG in the urine, starting from a concentration of 25 mIU / ml. The advantage is the low cost. No negative aspects have been identified.
  • "HCG-IHA-VERA" . The susceptibility of these strips begins at a concentration of 20 mIU / ml. The product has a very low price, which is why it is in demand, however, customer reviews often indicate that the diagnosis was not accurate, and even morning urine testing often showed.

Tablet

"BIOCARD HCG" - a test in the form of a cassette with two windows: in one it is necessary to place 3-4 drops of urine with a pipette, and in the other after 5 minutes the result will appear. The sensitivity is 20 mIU/ml. According to the recommendations specified in the instructions, it is good to do the diagnosis in the morning, immediately after waking up. In this case, the day before, you should not abuse the liquid and take medications, so as not to get a false result.

Advantages:

  • high degree of accuracy - up to 99%;
  • acceptable cost in comparison with imported analogues;
  • the test is effective from the first day of missed menstruation.

Disadvantages:

  • long waiting time for the reaction - more than 5 minutes;
  • the second strip is not always clearly painted;
  • for reliable indicators, it is recommended to conduct a test with morning urine.

Using the analyzer is simple - bring the test under the stream of urine, then close the cap and wait about 5 minutes.

What to look for when choosing a test

According to the manufacturers, the lower the figure indicated in the instructions, which reflects the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine, the higher the accuracy and sensitivity of the analyzer. However, this is not a completely true statement, since hCG is detected only 7-8 days after fertilization with a concentration of 25 mIU / ml, and this value doubles every day.

At the minimum period, it is better to do a pregnancy test in the morning, the hormone content in the urine is maximum at this time. The implementation of this simple rule allows you to detect the conception that has taken place from the first days of the delay.

The pharmaceutical industry, both foreign and domestic, produces a large number of devices for the rapid diagnosis of fertilization, so it is difficult to unambiguously answer which pregnancy test is better. According to statistics, inkjet and electronic tests show the most accurate results.

Useful video about the best pregnancy tests

Answers

Pregnancy test: principle of action

All pregnancy tests that exist today have the same principle of operation: tests respond to the presence of the hCG hormone in a woman's body.

The hCG hormone (its full name is human chorionic gonadotropin) begins to enter the woman's blood from the moment the embryo is attached to the uterine wall, that is already on the 7th day since fertilization.

How to conduct a pregnancy test so that the result is as accurate as possible

The new generation pregnancy tests we use today have very high level of accuracy - 95-99%, however, a small proportion of errors remain.

Pregnancy test may show a false negative result in the following cases:

  • you chose a test with low sensitivity and took the test too early, before the hCG level had time to rise enough for the test to respond to it;
  • on the eve of the test, you drank a lot of water - in this case, the urine is “diluted” and the concentration of hCG in it is reduced;
  • you used an expired test or used it incorrectly.

In rare cases test result may be false positive:

  • if fragments of the fetal egg remain in the uterus after or premature birth, the hCG level may remain high, the test in this case will show a false positive result
  • HCG is present in some fertility drugs (as a rule, such drugs are administered as injections)
  • Unfortunately, an increase in the level of hCG can be accompanied not only by pregnancy, but also by malignant neoplasms.

How to Avoid Mistakes When Taking a Pregnancy Test

Test sensitivity

Different tests have different sensitivity to hCG levels. The sensitivity of the test in units of mIU / ml (international units per ml) is indicated on the package. Depending on the level of sensitivity, the period at which the test can reliably show the onset of pregnancy varies:

  • with a sensitivity of 20–25 mIU / ml - from the first day of menstruation;
  • with a sensitivity of 10 mIU / ml - from 7-10 days from the expected date of conception.

Times of Day

Morning urine, namely its first portion, is the most concentrated, the level of hCG in it is the highest, so if you plan to use a regular test, it is best to do this right after waking up. But if you have a highly sensitive inkjet test in your hands (numbers 10 mIU / ml on the package) - feel free to use it at any time of the day.

How to read the test result correctly

Pregnancy tests are diverse in design and use, but they have a common, classic format for “issuing” the result: two strips mean pregnancy, one strip does not. Only electronic tests are slightly different, they have a “+” indicator showing the presence of pregnancy, a negative result, respectively, will look like “-”.

When to evaluate test results?

The test results should be evaluated strictly according to the instructions: as a rule, the waiting time for the result is from 3 to 5 minutes. It is not worth waiting longer “to be sure”: after 10 minutes, the result may be unreliable due to exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors on the indicator.

Pale second line

With bated breath, you are waiting for the cherished two stripes, but the second strip is much paler than the first? Do not worry, if the second strip nevertheless appeared, albeit weakly, this means that there is a pregnancy.

However, the hCG level is not too high yet, but it is growing every day - you can test again after 3-4 days - and if the process is going well, both strips will be clear and bright.

Can a pregnancy test be reused?

You took the test very early, the result came out negative, you waited a few days and are ready to test again. And then the thought comes to your mind: maybe it’s better to save money on a dowry for the future baby and use that first, negative test?

No, you definitely shouldn’t do this: the test indicator has already reacted with urine. A repeated reaction, of course, will occur, but what result the test will show in this case is unpredictable, and you still will not receive reliable information. And why do you need extra worries and doubts? when pregnancy occurs, the level of hCG rises at a normal pace, and from the moment of fading begins to fall. Depending on when you took the test, the result may turn out to be positive, even if the pregnancy has already stopped at that moment - after all, the hCG level remains high for some time.

Pregnancy tests, even the most sensitive and modern ones, cannot give us any information about whether the pregnancy is proceeding normally. They only answer the question "yes" or "no". Much more reliable information can be obtained from a blood test for hCG levels.

How does a pregnancy test work - video

We suggest you watch a short video that will clearly show the process of using a pregnancy test. Also, the author of the video will briefly and clearly tell you how to avoid mistakes during the test.

When the question of a possible pregnancy arises, women are faced with the choice of text on pregnancy. Now there are many varieties of rapid tests, but only a gynecologist can accurately determine the fact of pregnancy. The choice of product depends on the capabilities and preferences of the woman.

All express texts work on the same principle. They detect the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, or hcg, in the urine. Such a hormone begins to be produced immediately after the embryo is attached. Every day, the amount of the hormone becomes more and more, but at the very beginning, the amount of such a hormone can only be determined by examining blood from a vein. The sensitivity level of such tests starts at 25 mUI hCG.

Sometimes you can find an inscription on the package, which says that pregnancy can be diagnosed even with 10 mUI hCG, but it is very difficult to prove the veracity of such information. Most pharmacists claim that this inscription is more of a publicity stunt than reliable information.

Another trick of advertisers is the inscription, which indicates that the accuracy of this diagnostic method is 99%. This cannot be, it is possible to accurately determine the presence of pregnancy only after visiting a doctor or passing an analysis.

Varieties of pregnancy tests

There are three types of such products:

  • strip texts;
  • jet;
  • tablet;
  • digital.

The principle of operation of all devices is the same. The result is determined by a chemical reaction between the reagent and the hormone that is produced in the urine of a pregnant woman.

test strips

This is the most affordable option. Such a test is best done in the morning, since at this time the concentration of hCG is maximum.

To use such a product, you should draw a few milliliters of urine into the container and lower the strip perpendicularly there. Please note that the strip should be lowered to the control line. Hold it there for 5-10 seconds and place the text on a dry horizontal surface. Waiting for the result will take from 3 to 5 minutes. To get the most truthful result, you should carefully follow the instructions. A false result may be if there was not enough urine in the container or the strip was not lowered to the control line.

The benefits of test strips are as follows:

  • availability;
  • ease of use;
  • fast result.

The only negative is that for the test, urine should be collected in a separate container. An example of such a product is Mila.

Tablet type

This direct analogue of strips, the only difference is that the reagent strip is placed in a plastic container. This device has two windows. A few drops of urine should be placed in one, and the result will be displayed in the second. To get the most reliable result, the test is best done in the morning.

The advantages of the tablet test are that it is more hygienic and easier to use. Among the minuses can be noted the high price, use only at home.

Jet variety

This product different from previous both in terms of use and appearance. To use it, you should remove the protective cap and substitute the strip under the stream of urine. The liquid reaches the reagent along the stick, and after 3 minutes you can see the result in the window.

The advantages of such a product are as follows:

  • hygiene;
  • high sensitivity;
  • the ability to use outside the home;
  • the ability to use at any time of the day;
  • minimum chance of error.

The main disadvantage is the high price.

Digital Tests

Despite the fact that such products are an order of magnitude more expensive than the above, the principle of their work is the same. The use of this product involves placing the end under the stream or in a separate container with urine for 5 seconds. The strip has a color indicator. After the color changes, the product should be placed on a flat surface and wait 3 minutes. A “+” sign will appear in the result window if the result is positive, and “-” if there is no pregnancy.

Some electronic products indicate what week of pregnancy, if any.

The advantages of electronic devices include:

Such products may vary in sensitivity.

Instrument accuracy

No test can be 100% positive or negative. The sensitivity of standard products can be 25 mIU / ml, they can be used from the first day of delay. Tests with medium sensitivity range from 15-25 mIU/mL and can detect pregnancy several days before the onset of a missed period.

High sensitivity tests have a sensitivity of 10-15 mIU/ml and can be used at any time. Them can be used already 5-7 days before the expected delay.

When choosing the most accurate test, pay attention to the following nuances:

  1. The result can be true and reliable only if the diagnosis was carried out according to the instructions.
  2. These products have their own expiration date. If it exits, then the test becomes invalid.
  3. The higher the sensitivity of the product, the more accurate the result it will show. The most accurate devices have a sensitivity of 10 mIU / ml, that is, the presence of pregnancy can be determined already a few days after conception.

Time spending

In some cases, the effectiveness of the diagnosis may depend on what time the test was taken. Please note that the hCG hormone appears in the urine only for 7-10 days. Therefore, you can find out about pregnancy only a week after intercourse.

The amount of hCG hormone begins to increase over time. Therefore, early the test may show an erroneous negative result, since the concentration of the hormone will be very small.

It is best to use a highly sensitive inkjet test a few days before the expected period, and cheaper options should be used only after the first day of delay. To fully verify the result, you should use several products with an interval of several days.

Features of use

It is very important to know how to use a pregnancy test correctly, since the reliability of the result depends on it. Even when using the most expensive text, one wrong action will lead to a false result.

Before proceeding with the diagnosis, read the instructions for how to use the pregnancy test. Often this procedure is the same for all tests. First, you should open the sealed package, do not touch the test strip with reagents with your fingers. Next, you should ensure that urine is in contact with the reagent and wait until the result appears.

Before use, be sure to check that the packaging is airtight and the expiration date is in order. It is also important to keep time limits. If the period is short, then two strips on the test can be very weak. But even if the second strip is very weak, but it is present, then you should definitely consult a doctor.

Deciphering the questionable result

A pregnancy diagnostic device can sometimes show an indeterminate result. The second strip may be blurry, pink or one and a half stripes may form. The reasons for this phenomenon are as follows:

  • hCG level is very low;
  • the level of the hormone is borderline with a minimum;
  • the test has an expired expiration date;
  • failure to follow instructions for use;
  • the woman really wants to see the cherished two stripes.

If the product showed a dubious result, then wait a few days and do another one, or consult a doctor.

Some women, in order to understand what position they are in, use folk methods, but they cannot give an exact guarantee that the result is determined correctly. The most popular folk method is that you should collect some urine of the alleged pregnant woman and drop a little iodine into it. If the drop remains on the surface, then the result is negative, but if it spreads, then the result will be positive.

There is also a version that the urine of a pregnant woman will be dark yellow. Folk methods lovers also combine urine and wine in equal proportions. If the urine remains clear, then pregnancy is present.

An interesting method of determining the position of a woman is to plant two bulbs in a glass of water. One of the glasses symbolizes pregnancy, and the second - its absence. In which glass the onion feathers grow 4 cm faster, this will be the answer.

Test error

The reasons for a false result may be the following factors:

  • incorrect procedure;
  • recent abortion or miscarriage;
  • tumor and oncology;
  • hormonal disbalance.

In the first time after an abortion or an unsuccessful pregnancy, the level of the hormone by which the condition is diagnosed remains at a high level.

The validity of a test depends on:

  • conditions of its storage;
  • the condition of the kidneys of a woman;
  • following the instructions for use.

If you have a suspicion of pregnancy, it is recommended to do several tests at intervals of several days, while using products from different companies. The choice of the type of test depends on the preferences of the woman. To accurately confirm the result, you should undergo an examination with a doctor. He may send you for an ultrasound or a blood test.

Attention, only TODAY!

We had to wait at least two months. Sometimes the diagnosis was not enough with one visit to the gynecologist. Today, after a few days of menstruation, a woman has the opportunity to know for 99% whether she is pregnant or not. And special tests help in this. How do they work? What you need to know for the accuracy of diagnosis and prevention of its fallacy? Let's try to figure it out.

Home rapid tests are convenience and simplicity. Manufacturers promise the reliability of the result by 97-99%. How can a thin piece of paper in a package diagnose the birth of a new life in the female body?

Let's delve into physiology. The earliest sign of a successful conception is the appearance of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood and urine of a woman. This is a hormone secreted by the fetus. That's what the test responds to. Its absorbent part (immersed in the liquid) contains a substance that is associated with the dye. If the above hormone is present in the urine, a dye release reaction occurs on the test strip - and the woman sees two lines of crimson or blue. Such a reaction is a positive test result. In this case, the second, lower one can be very bright or medium saturation. It depends on the concentration of the hormone. When it is not in the analyzed analysis, then, accordingly, the reaction does not occur, the second strip does not stain.

The first, control strip, contains such a reagent, the interaction with which the dye always releases, regardless of the presence or absence of chorionic gonadotropin in the urine. This will happen if the test strip is simply immersed in water.

A false negative result is when there is a pregnancy, but the test does not show it. It is more common than. And the reason for this lies in the untimely conduct of the test. In simple words, when a woman panics and spends it, for example, on the day of the expected, but not started menstruation.

Manufacturers of rapid tests state that the minimum amount of hormone to which they respond is approximately 20-25 mIU / ml. The concentration of hCG in the blood reaches this indicator on the seventh to tenth day after conception. It doubles every two or three days. But in urine, the situation is different. There the hormone is contained two times less than in the blood. This means that you can only be tested ten days after the alleged fertilization of the egg. For greater reliability of the result, test manufacturers recommend doing this from the first or second day of menstruation delay.

There are other reasons for a false negative test result. These include:

  1. A woman consuming too much liquid or diuretics before testing.
  2. Diseases of the cardiovascular system or kidneys. They prevent the release of the hormone chorionic gonadotropin in the right amount for the test.
  3. Risk of miscarriage. In this state, the concentration of hCG decreases.
  4. Ectopic pregnancy frozen. At the same time, the amount of the hormone also decreases.

False positive test results are quite rare. But two strips without pregnancy can be seen in such cases:

  1. A few weeks after giving birth.
  2. After an abortion, removal of an ectopic pregnancy.
  3. With trophoblastic tumors. They produce the production of the above hormone.
  4. When a woman takes hCG drugs. Within 10 days after their last injection, the test will show two strips.

Sometimes the reasons for the unreliability of test results are ... the tests themselves. This is their low quality, use after the expiration date. If the test is not carried out correctly, immersing it in the urine is not deep enough, then the result can be false positive and false negative. To avoid this, you should carefully read the instructions before using this diagnostic method.

Especially for- Elena TOLOCHIK

A test for early diagnosis of pregnancy can be laboratory and home. But in any case, it reacts to the only hormone - hCG, which begins to be produced in the body of a woman after implantation of a fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus. This occurs within 5-10 days after ovulation. The level of the hormone hCG in the body of a pregnant woman increases every day by 2 times.

How does a home test strip work?

Sometimes it's hard to believe that such a thin little line can accurately determine pregnancy. In fact, it can: thanks to a special reagent located at its end. It should be in contact with urine for several seconds: from 3 to 30 - depending on the quality and sensitivity of the test. After that, one strip should appear, which indicates that the test is valid, and within a few minutes from 1 to 5, a second strip appears, which means that there is a certain concentration of the hCG pregnancy hormone in the urine.

Test strips can have different sensitivities: usually their cost directly depends on this. The lower the sensitivity index, the lower the concentration of the hCG hormone in the urine can be determined by the test, which means the result will be known earlier. Conventional tests have a sensitivity of 25 mUl. On the first day after embryo implantation, which occurs on average on the seventh day after ovulation, the hCG level is 2mUl. On the second day already 4mUl, on the third day 8mUl and so on. By simple calculations, we find that on about 11-12 days the hCG level will reach 25mUl and a test strip with such sensitivity will show a weak strip. The very next day it will be brighter, and from the first day of the delay it will be equal in contrast to the neighboring one.

Of course, you need to take into account that implantation can occur on the 10th day, then the strip will appear only on the 14th day. Therefore, manufacturers of home tests recommend doing them from the first day of the delay. There are cases when the level of hCG grows more slowly, and it happens that you can diagnose pregnancy at home already on the 10th day after ovulation using a regular test strip. If, nevertheless, the test shows a negative result, it is better to do it again after 2 days.

How do other types of tests work?

The test strip is the most affordable and easiest way to diagnose pregnancy, but there are other types of tests that can help determine pregnancy much earlier:

  • Tablet tests: you only need a drop of morning urine to get a result. It is placed in a specific hole using a pipette. The mechanism of action is standard: the reagent recognizes the hCG hormone in sufficient concentration in the urine. The result is displayed using 1 or 2 bars.
  • Inkjet tests: for diagnosis, there is no need to collect urine, and it does not matter if the test is done in the morning or in the evening. The inkjet test also gives a result in the form of 1 or 2 strips, while it will be reliable already a few days before the delay.
  • Electronic tests: work both in the collected urine, and in a stream. The result is shown using the signs “+” or “-”, as well as the inscriptions “pregnant”, “not pregnant”. The latest generation tests determine the period in weeks from conception. Electronic tests can show a reliable result as early as 10 days after ovulation.

Even earlier than home tests, pregnancy can be determined by donating blood for analysis. A laboratory test will give an accurate result already on the 7th day after ovulation. Moreover, the level of hCG will show whether the fetal egg corresponds to the term, and in subsequent analyzes it will give the dynamics necessary for diagnosing fetal development and timely detection of pathologies or miscarriage.

Can tests be wrong?

The accuracy of home tests is 99%, while this figure does not take into account that the test was taken too early or the concentration of hCG decreased due to the amount of water drunk earlier. To avoid these factors, manufacturers always recommend doing a test from the 1st day of delay and in the morning. Tests can show a false positive result, that is, determine hCG in the urine when there is no pregnancy, in the following cases:

  • Taking drugs or injections for infertility;
  • The presence of tumors, pathologies, for example, cystic drift;
  • Miscarriage or preterm birth less than 3 weeks prior to diagnosis.

To obtain a reliable result the first time, you must strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions: do not do the test before the time specified in it. If the test is planned to be done in the morning, then you should not drink a lot of water at night, and if during the day, then 4 hours before. And in order not to suffer in doubt and not spend money on repeated tests, it is better to immediately donate hCG blood on the 21-24th day of the cycle and be sure of the result.