When is the best time to test. How and when to take a pregnancy test? Test at home - the cherished two strips

07.04.2019

With the release of tests to establish the "interesting position", the fair sex can find out about their new position from the first days of fertilization, much earlier than the gynecologist can determine given fact. So, what is the mechanism of functioning of the devices in question?

How does a pregnancy test work?

All tests have a similar mechanism of their work. When fertilization occurs, when the embryo attaches to the uterine walls, the body immediately begins to produce the pregnancy hormone, which is abbreviated as hCG. The device in question has a special strip where the reagent is placed.

When urine comes into contact with this substance, its color begins to change. This happens because this liquid contains a large amount of hCG. You can carry out the test before the expected menstruation is delayed - these hormones are produced on early stages gestation. Initially, it appears in small quantities, and over the course of 14 days, its concentration increases thousands of times.

There is no hypersensitivity in the usual test, so in the first week it does not show any reaction, because there are very few hormones. It is necessary that at least 10 days have passed from the moment of fertilization. But there are other devices - inkjet. They are characterized by the highest sensitivity and make it possible to know the result a week before the start of the expected menstruation.

Let's denote that the sensitivity level of most of the tests starts at 25 mUI. Some devices indicate that the test starts to be sensitive as early as 10 mUI, but this is difficult to prove.

Tests are divided into inkjet, flatbed, strip and reservoir systems. These tools vary according to the device, but the principle of the analysis they carry out is similar.

test strips. They belong to the 1st generation of express diagnostic tools. They have a simple device, so their cost is the lowest. It is these tests that are most common among buyers and lead among sales. This paper strip impregnated with a specific reagent. It must be placed in the urine for 15 seconds, and then, stretched out, the result will be ready in five minutes.

If the test is applied correctly, then the accuracy on the 1st day of delay exceeds 90%. A week after the absence of menstruation - from 95 to 100%. There is one strip on the test, which is the control. Then you look - if the second is also present - then this indicates your fertilization.

The advantages of this device are that it is not expensive and is sold at any pharmacy.

Of the minuses, it should be noted that the sensitivity compared to other types of tests is low - 25 mIU. To perform testing, you need to collect urine in a certain container, which is a little inconvenient - you need to take it clean to collect it. The results can be false, because the reagent is on paper, which does not allow it to withstand its exact concentration. This may lead to lack exact result.

Another disadvantage is that if applied incorrectly, the result may be untrue. For example, if a woman overexposed it, then this can provoke washing off of the reagent, and the second strip will not appear. If the device was, on the contrary, underexposed, then it can be dialed an insufficient amount urine, and he will not report anything. Errors are permissible if the technology was violated in the manufacture of the product, as a result, the strips are not impregnated with the reagent evenly.

Their sensitivity is greater - from 10 mIU to 25. They are able to establish fertilization earlier. It is necessary to apply a drop of urine into the window on the device with a pipette, which is present in the kit.

The device in question is much more convenient, but its cost is not low. They are used in hospitals for professional analysis. Here is the device of the device in question - there are two windows - urine is applied to one of them with a pipette, which is supplied with the device. The drops begin to spread, reach the reagent strip (it is not visible to the eye) and begin to react with them. In the second window - the result. During pregnancy, the reagent will get a color. The device does not have such disadvantages that strip devices have.

Advantages - this device does not need to be immersed in liquid. To make the test more convenient to use, a special pipette is included with it.

Cons - more expensive compared to test strips. In order for urine to be drawn into a pipette, it must also first be drawn into a clean container.

Inkjet. These devices are the most perfect today. They have more high level sensitivity and complex structure.

Such a device allows you to detect fertilization even with a small amount of hCG - 10 Mme per ml. It has a layer of blue particles that attach to hCG when present in the urine. In a few minutes, the result will be visible, it will be accurate, but the cost of these goods is significantly higher than other tests.

Inkjet devices are convenient to use, since they can be used in any conditions. To detect pregnancy, there is no need to look for a sterile jar. You just need to substitute one of the ends of the test under the urine, wait a couple of minutes and, voila - there is a result.

Also, according to the principle of the structure of inkjet tests, ovulation tests were also made - the time when the possibility of fertilization is as high as possible.

Inkjet test cassettes have a not so simple device. The rod consists of tubules, along this rod the liquid begins to rise at high speed to the place where the reagent is located. The test system contains a layer of latex microparticles with antibodies, to which hCG is well attached.

This device has hypersensitivity, even if the minimum percentage of hCG, the test will not be mistaken.

Tank systems. These devices are very convenient, as they are equipped with a reservoir for urine collection. There is a window on the inside, and the test part is in the tank. The result of the test does not depend on the amount of urine in the container, the test begins to independently absorb the amount that is needed for testing and establishing an accurate result.

After a while, you can see the result in the test window.

Which test to choose?

Regardless of whether a woman wants a baby or not, she gets a test in order to find out the answer that interests her. If her period is delayed, she can't wait to find out what is causing it. What test is better to choose?

Here are some tips to consider when buying a test:

The reliability of the device depends on the quality of the diagnostic system. The result will be as reliable as possible if the system uses high quantity specific antibodies and is ready to fix the smallest amount of hCG.
The name of a reputable manufacturer - this fact in itself guarantees the quality of the test.
Usually, the lower the cost for tests, the the worst quality reagents are used in them and the lower will be the accuracy of research.
Package. It is important when choosing a test. It should contain all the necessary information about the test and its manufacturer, and the packaging must also contain the expiration date and production date, serial number, telephone number for feedback. Test strips should not be thinner than 3 mm in width. The test must be completed with a Russian-language instruction. Since all tests are highly sensitive to moisture, sachets must be present in the pack that absorb moisture.

If the menstrual cycle is regular

In the middle of the cycle, an egg is released for fertilization. If the cycle is thirty days, then this process happens on the fifteenth day, with a 28-day cycle - on the fourteenth day. Within two days, fertilization occurs. After intercourse, she is 5-6 days on the way to the uterus. On the 22nd day of the cycle, an increasing pregnancy hormone can be determined. The highest quality tests are able to show fertilization as early as 5 days before a potential period, when the amount of hCG will exceed 25 mUI.

If the menstrual cycle is irregular

You can find out when ovulation occurred by:

occurrence signs of PMS;
increase in the level of BT;
ovulation test.

Having determined the number, you need to add twelve more days to it - then you can detect an increase in hCG in the bloodstream. After fifteen days, highly sensitive tests can be used.

Terms of Use

You should save the test in the conditions that are written on the pack by the manufacturer;
It is important to follow the instructions - lower the device into the urine to a special mark, while the strip should be in the liquid for the recommended time, no more. You also need to evaluate the result at the specified time;
The container where urination is carried out must be clean;
must be performed before urination hygiene procedures;
The pack of tests should be opened immediately before use, it is forbidden to wear for a long time plain text, and then use it, since its results will be false;
The test should be carried out on night urine or morning;
It is important to monitor the expiration date of the test so that it is not expired;
The pack in which the test is sold must not be damaged.

Negative result at fertilization

The percentage of the hormone produced during gestation increases in all women in different ways. For a two-week period after the menstruation has not yet come, the device can notify you of a negative result. If the test indicates the absence of pregnancy, but the patient has not a single doubt that a new life is developing inside her, then this phenomenon has several explanations.

If menstruation is delayed, then this is not exact sign the fact that a woman became pregnant, because there are many factors that affect the menstrual cycle.

Initially, this can happen if the fair sex has some gynecological diseases (for example, inflammation of the appendages). Also, this includes not only serious, but also very frequent diets, being depressed, malfunctioning hormones, strong physical exercise. A woman should not often experience stress.

Regardless of the reason for the delay, the test will not determine the presence of pregnancy. Usually, with fertilization, one stripe can be obtained due to the quality of the test, and also because of its misuse. It is important to follow the rules that are indicated in the instructions for using the test. Also, the same can happen for more difficult reasons, which include deviations in the development of the baby.

The most common reasons that provoke denial during fertilization are:

Incorrect use of the device. In order for the result to be correct and accurate, before using the test, you must read the instructions attached to it. At first there is a risk of getting true result. False data can also be if the test was stored in the wrong conditions, and also, if it has a marriage, the expiration date has expired.
Testing on very short terms. This is the most common reason that the test does not show correct result. On early stages gestation in the blood produces too little hCG. Almost always, the exact result can be obtained somewhere in two weeks after conception. At the same time, in some future women in labor, the menstrual cycle may go astray. As a result, all the indicated symptoms affect the amount of hCG. If after the study the woman has remaining doubts, you can repeat the procedure in a couple of days. If even after this the result is not correct, then it is better to consult a doctor and take the tests prescribed by him.
The use of medications. This happens if the patient before the study consumed drinks with a diuretic effect or various medications. The fact is that in dilute urine there will be a much smaller amount. In the early stages of gestation, it is recommended to test in the morning. If a lot of liquid was drunk in the evening, then even in the morning you can get a negative test.
The presence of any violations. If you have discovered various diseases that are related to work internal organs, then the test may show a denial of pregnancy. Initially, this will be due to the presence of kidney disease, in which there is a minimal level of hCG in the urine.
Violations in the development of pregnancy often occur in such a way that during gestation a woman does not stop menstruating, while testing will show a negative result.
In almost all cases, this process is associated with the development of an incorrect pregnancy, behind the uterine cavity. False data can also be in the presence of violations in the development of the fetus. If there is a risk of miscarriage, fading of pregnancy, with placental insufficiency fetus. If there is a suspicion of the presence of conception, but testing at the same time shows only one strip, you must urgently contact a highly qualified specialist for help.

False positive result

This can happen if:

the woman has impaired ovarian function;
the test is carried out in the first two months after childbirth;
the test is used expired;
when a tumor occurs.

Test during menstruation

Some women may not stop menstruating even when they become pregnant. But you should know that menstrual blood does not appear on the sensitivity of the test, so the result will still be true.

Even if the patient used a material that contains bloody issues, with the presence of the required amount of hCG in it, the device will show two strips.

Test for ectopic pregnancy

A fertilized egg in a condition such as ectopic pregnancy, fastened in most cases in fallopian tube and not in the uterine cavity as expected. But hCG is also starting to be produced. The only feature is a slight increase in the level of hCG, either complete absence his growth.

That is, if there is pathological pregnancy the test will show two bands. Most likely, the second one will be hard to see, and it will be blurry and fuzzy. And in this case, the test will be positive only after a delay in menstruation.

There is a test called INEXSCREEN. It makes it possible to determine proper pregnancy a couple of weeks after the delay.

Test for a frozen pregnancy

If a woman took the test several times, and it clearly showed positive result and then during the week retest shows a barely noticeable second strip or does not show it at all, then this is with more likely indicates that the pregnancy has stopped. You need to see a doctor, and as soon as possible.

When to do the test?

Usually, the instructions for the texts do not contain information on when it is better to do testing. That is, in the presence of pregnancy, the test will be positive at any time of the day.

Doctors recommend doing this procedure in the morning. In this case, the result will be true, especially in the early stages of gestation. If done in daytime, that is, the risk that a mistake will be made, since the urine due to the liquid consumed throughout the day will not be very concentrated.

A similar outcome will be if the test is carried out in the evening - the concentration of hCG will be significantly lower. If there is a need to do a test in the daytime, it is recommended to refrain from urinating for four hours. It is important to limit the amount of liquid consumed.

At certain points in her life, every woman has suspicions that this month, instead of next menstruation quite different news may await her. Some perceive this opportunity with joy and a lot of positive emotions, while others are upset and wait for their suspicions to be refuted with hope and worries. But in any case, a woman always wants to know as soon as possible whether a new life has arisen inside her.

Modern medicine offers a lot of opportunities to eliminate such issues, the most common of which are special tests.

But not every woman knows what day the test shows pregnancy, and often try to conduct a study a few days after unprotected intercourse, reassured by the negative test results and surprised at the delay in menstruation.

The basis of any test is made up of simple indicators that make it easy to find out about your possible interesting position at home. At what day of pregnancy the test shows the correct result depends on the test itself, its features, the manufacturer's company and quality. The effectiveness of tests for initial terms ranges from 97 to 99%, therefore, if the determining device is not defective, the result of the study will be reliable in most cases. However, it is recommended to purchase 2-3 different tests, to confirm the results obtained, especially on the most early dates, and apply them strictly following the instructions.

In order to know exactly how long to apply a pregnancy test so as to get the most reliable result, you need to find out what exactly it determines. The simplest pregnancy test is a small thin strip of canton, in a certain place of which a special reagent is applied. When the strip is immersed in urine, the reagent gets wet and changes color, while the second line on the test appears when there is elevated level a pregnancy hormone called chorionic gonadotropin, the production of which in a woman's body begins immediately, as soon as conception occurs, increasing every day until a certain period.

The accuracy of pregnancy tests depending on their types

Many women are concerned not only at what stage of pregnancy the test shows, but also which one is the most effective and accurate, because pharmacies offer an extensive selection of such devices from the simplest to professional laboratory ones.

Test strip or strip test

This type is probably the most popular and simplest, as well as the cheapest, but without high degree sensitivity. The strip must be lowered into a container with urine for about 10 seconds, and then left on a flat surface for 5 minutes for a more accurate manifestation of the result. Two lines on the reagent strip will indicate the presence of pregnancy, one line indicates that the study itself was carried out correctly, but conception did not occur, or the level of the pregnancy hormone is below the required concentration.

Despite the high popularity of these strips, they have many disadvantages, for example, they can be overexposed to collected urine or take it out before the allotted time, then the results obtained may be unreliable. In addition, the reagent in such strips is most often applied to a paper layer (sometimes tissue), which may not correctly determine the level of the hormone.

It makes sense to use such a test only on the first or second day of missed menstruation, since the hCG level must be at least 25 mIU / ml for the study. At this time, the reliability of the strip will be approximately 90%. With a delay of one week, the percentage of pregnancy detection efficiency increases to 95-99%.

Tablet type test

The device has a fairly high cost compared to other types, but also a more advanced device for determining pregnancy. This type of test is commonly used in many hospitals for professional analysis. Its action is also based on the use of a reagent that interacts with the urine of a woman, but it has a high sensitivity.

There are two windows on the test device, in the first one, using the supplied pipette, you need to drop urine, and then wait for the result to appear in the second window. The level of pregnancy hormone for testing with such a device must be at least 10 mIU / ml, so the test is able to establish pregnancy at the very beginning, sometimes even 1-2 days before the delay in menstruation.

Inkjet tests

A feature of such a device is that for their use it is not necessary to specifically collect urine in a container, it is enough to urinate on the receiving part of the device, which allows you to conduct a study anywhere, even at work, simply by visiting the toilet. The test result is displayed within 1 minute. The sensitivity of such tests is very high, to determine pregnancy, a hormone concentration above 10 mIU / ml is sufficient, therefore, such devices can show a reliable result even a few days before the expected delay.

Electronic digital test

It is the most expensive device of all presented on modern market, but also the most understandable, since it shows an accurate and unambiguous result. The principle of its operation is similar to other models, but the accuracy is as high as possible and may have a different percentage, depending on the day of pregnancy. When using such a test about 4 days before the expected delay, its accuracy will be about 51%. If applied 3 days before the onset of menstruation, the accuracy increases to 82%, and 2 days - to 90%. The day before the next menstruation, the accuracy will be 95%, and on the first day of the delay, the information content of the test will be 99-100%.

There are several other tests that can determine pregnancy on initial stage even before the expected delay in menstruation, they are called immunochromatographic. Their action is based on general principle, but the sensitivity of pregnancy detection is higher. Such tests in most cases make it possible to establish the presence of pregnancy already when the hormone level in the urine is 10 mIU / ml, that is, from the 7th day after the fertilization of the egg.

Types of such tests:

Test strips. Most a budget option a study showing a fairly reliable result, but when choosing such a test, one should pay attention to its sensitivity, which can range from 10 to 30 mIU / ml, the lower this indicator on the test package, the earlier it will be able to confirm or deny the presence of pregnancy.
Inkjet tests. You can use such a test anywhere and at any time of the day, using 7-10 days after the intended fertilization, since their sensitivity is determined by the hormone concentration in the urine of 20 mIU / ml. If such a device is used correctly and in due date, then its reliability is 99%.
Tablet cassette test. Of all the devices that can determine pregnancy even before the delay of menstruation, this type is considered the most reliable. Its sensitivity is 10 mIU/ml, which at correct application allows you to detect the presence of pregnancy from the 7th day after the alleged fertilization.

On what day after intercourse the test can show pregnancy

Of course, any woman needs to know how long a pregnancy test shows the most reliable information. It is important to understand that the level hCG hormone does not increase instantly, it happens gradually, and in the earliest stages in the blood, its concentration will be much higher than in the urine of a woman. Pregnancy tests are able to detect its presence only when the level of the hormone reaches the required indicator, according to their sensitivity, which is different for each model.

As a rule, conventional test strips are able to show a reliable result only on the first day of a missed period, on average, this is 11-15 days after ovulation. The higher the sensitivity of the test, the earlier it can be used to find out about possible pregnancy. When using highly sensitive tests (from 10 mIU / ml), you can find out about your situation already 5 days before the expected delay.

It is also necessary to take into account the reliability of the result, which in some cases may be false negative.

A false positive test result is enough frequent in a certain category of women for whom pregnancy becomes an obsession and the most cherished dream. They begin to look for any signs of pregnancy even in the most minor things constantly being excited nervous state, because of which there are often delays in menstruation, giving rise to almost 100% confidence in pregnancy. In this case, even in the normal state, urine may appear a small amount of HCG, which can color the test indicator in a very pale color, perceived by women as confirmation of pregnancy, which in reality is not. Such a phenomenon in modern medicine called a false pregnancy.

False negative results are also very common. It can be observed when the pregnancy has actually occurred, but the test strips do not show this. This happens for a number of reasons, for example:

The test was applied at too early a pregnancy, when the level of the required hormone is still insufficient for exact definition states.
There is a threat of termination of pregnancy immediately after conception.
The test is corrupted, applied incorrectly, or of very poor quality.
A woman has a malfunction of the kidneys or the cardiovascular system, due to which the pregnancy hormone is not produced in the required amount.
If the pregnancy is intrauterine or frozen.
If the study was conducted without following the instructions in violation of the process.
Diluted urine, not a sterile container, was used for analysis.
The test was performed after the use of diuretics or in wrong time(day or late night).

At normal development pregnancy, almost all types of tests determine its presence reliably, if there were no violations of the instructions during their use. AND false negative results such studies are much less common than false positives. If the woman is sure of the onset of pregnancy, and the test did not confirm this, the study should be repeated in a few days, when the concentration of the required hormone in the urine increases. If several tests indicate pregnancy, the woman should contact medical Center for medical confirmation and registration so that the baby is born healthy.

Useful video comparing pregnancy tests

I like!

The sacrament of the birth of a child for any woman is not an empty phrase. She strives to communicate this important news only to the closest people. But before doing this, she herself tries to verify the fact of pregnancy. For this, home tests are carried out. When can a test indicate pregnancy? When to take a pregnancy test in order to get reliable data? Let's try to answer these questions.

Test at home - the cherished two strips

Am I pregnant? This question, one way or another, has ever worried every woman, although different reasons. It all depended on whether a pregnancy was planned or not, whether a woman wanted to become a mother or not. That is why it is necessary to keep the situation under control. For this modern woman it is not necessary to spend time visiting a gynecologist - control can be carried out at home.

essence homemade test is to determine the level of concentration of the pregnancy hormone - chorionic gonadotropin, that is, hCG, in the human body. This hormone is found in the blood and urine of not only women, but also men in proper quantities.

Note! The level of hCG varies depending on the time of day.

HCG is involved in the creation of cells of the placenta of the expectant mother immediately after implantation - the fertilization of the egg on the wall of the uterus. On the same day, the hCG level is 2 mIU / ml, doubling after two days. A few days later, this hormone enters the urine of a pregnant woman, the presence of which is determined using the notorious test strips. In order for the test to be sensitive, and, therefore, pregnancy is determined, the main level hCG indicator should reach 25 mIU / ml. This happens on the 14-15th day, when there is a delay in menstruation, the cycle of which is 28 days. After all, everything in nature is individual.

Therefore, advice for everyone when to take a pregnancy test: diagnosis should be carried out immediately after the detection of a delay in the menstrual cycle, in particular after sleep (waking up), when there is maximum concentration HCG (25-32 mIU / ml) in the urine of a woman.

Variety of tests

Test strips are the easiest and affordable way detection of pregnancy hormone at home. As mentioned above, the classic concentration of the pregnancy hormone (hCG) should reach 25 mIU / ml. But you can determine conception a few days before the onset of a delay in the menstrual cycle.

Modern technology and the medical industry offer more wide choose tests, for example, cassette tests with an hCG threshold of 10 mIU / ml. Such early definition pregnancy can be done not only at home in terms of urine, but also in laboratory conditions for blood diagnostics. This method eliminates any possibility of error.

Video

Doubts

It should be noted that pregnancy can also occur in the case when menstrual bleeding does not stop, and the woman is convinced that there is no conception. But if you are more careful, you can notice a lower intensity and duration of bleeding. And after the end of the cycle, you should conduct a conception test and contact your gynecologist for observation in order to exclude the threat of termination of pregnancy. After all, the situation was non-standard, and tests in such cases can give questionable results.

Note! The unreliability of the test results occurs for several reasons: poor-quality tests were used, diagnostics were carried out too early, the rules for conducting it were violated, and also if the woman has diseases that increase the level of hCG concentration.

A modern woman at home can always double-check herself if she purchases tests from several manufacturers and uses them competently.

Pregnancy

When to take a pregnancy test to get reliable results? The most comprehensive information on this important issue in our article!

Pregnancy tests sold in pharmacies and supermarkets - just brilliant invention making life easier for women. Thanks to such simple indicators, each of us can independently find out at home almost for sure whether there is a pregnancy or not. According to various data, their accuracy reaches 97-99%, that is, in the vast majority of cases, the result of such a test can be relied upon.

However, despite the seeming simplicity of the method, you need to understand that you need to use it exactly according to the instructions and on time. It is the issue of time that our article will be devoted to: we will try to answer the question on what day a pregnancy test will show a reliable result.

How does the test work?

In order to find out on which day a pregnancy test will be true, it is necessary at least in general terms know what it defines.

The classic pregnancy test looks like cardboard strip coated with a special reagent. It is this reagent that changes color when urine containing increased amount chorionic gonadotropin (CG) - a special hormone that begins to be produced almost immediately after fertilization. But does this mean that you can do a pregnancy test before your period is missed? After all, hCG is in the body of a woman already in the first week of pregnancy.

When pregnancy occurs, the hCG hormone, appearing in the blood first in small quantities, during the first weeks increases its concentration thousands of times. The classic test strip is not sensitive enough to respond to minimal amount hormone. On average, it takes 10 to 14 days for the hCG concentration to reach the detection limit of the test. For most women, this time coincides with the start of the expected period, so when using a test strip, the first home study with its help, it is advisable to carry out no earlier than on the first day of the delay in the onset of the menstrual cycle.

There are also better pregnancy tests on the market. For those who are haunted by the question of how many days you can do a pregnancy test, there are inkjet tests. Their fundamental difference it is in sensitivity, which in this case is quite high and allows you to get a positive result 4-5 days before the date of the expected start of the next menstruation. In addition, such a test is somewhat more convenient to use, but it also costs an order of magnitude more expensive.

Now the question “when to do a pregnancy test” does not present any difficulties for us: all of the above indicates the expediency of conducting a study no earlier than the first day of an unappeared menstruation. However, we are not dealing with technology, where everything is precisely verified and defined - we are talking about living people, each of whom is individual. Moreover, even the most healthy woman with the correct regulation of the cycle, the timing of ovulation and implantation of the egg can differ from time to time. This will depend on the state of immunity, age-related changes, mood swings, atmospheric influences, stress ... but you never know what else!

Speaking about average values in relation to a person, one should not forget about variability - the variability of processes in the human body. Thus, for some women, a pregnancy test before a missed period may well show a pronounced second line, as an indication of pregnancy, while others may need to wait a few more days before the test finally “feels” increased content HCG.

Now consider those situations where the term for determining pregnancy using the home test strip method may differ from the average value.

Short menstrual cycle

In women whose menstrual cycle is shorter than 24 days, the test response time to elevated hCG levels may also change. However, these changes are weakly expressed for the reason that the second phase of the cycle, which occurs after ovulation, is approximately the same in duration for all women: with a normal, and with a long, and with a short cycle.

Menstrual cycle over 32 days

Some women have normal periods after 32 days or more. It may seem to such “lucky ones” that a pregnancy test can be done earlier. But this is not always the case: the cycle is lengthened mainly due to the first half of the cycle, when the endometrium is preparing for implantation of the egg, while the second half remains within the average values: 12-14 days. That is, with a cycle of, say, 34 days, the first phase accounts for about 20 days, the remaining 14 days for the second. That is, in this case, the answer to the burning question, after how long the test will show pregnancy, will be the same - in the first days after the delay.

Physiological fluctuations of the menstrual cycle

It's no secret that women have physiological fluctuations in the duration of the cycle. The reasons may be critical stress, colds and other diseases, taking certain medications.

Even if a woman can confidently assert that menstruation goes “like clockwork” all her life, then even in this case it is impossible to exclude single fluctuations in the duration of the menstrual cycle. And this is where the change in the timing of the response of the pregnancy test can be significant: a woman who expects menstruation, as usual, on day 28, may not suspect that ovulation has come a few days later. Having tested on the 29th day, even if pregnancy occurs, she can get a negative result, since the level of hCG has not yet had time to gain sufficient concentration.

So, when can you take a pregnancy test?

Summing up all that has been said, let's try to formulate tips regarding the timing of the pregnancy test.

The earliest appropriate test can be considered a study conducted on the first day of a missed period.

If you can't stand the unknown, and five days of extra waiting robs you of the opportunity normal life, then use more sensitive inkjet tests: with a cycle of 28 days, pregnancy can be determined with their help already on the 23-24th day.

When to take a pregnancy test? Yes, even every day! The impatient can try a regular test strip even before the date of the expected menstruation: for someone, daily research can bring inexpressible pleasure with the gradual appearance of a weak strip to pronounced signs of a positive test.

You can not do the test at all, but immediately go to the doctor or get tested for hCG. Many gynecologists, however, themselves recommend this home study, but it is not strictly required.

Before the invention of pregnancy tests, mankind resorted to different ways guessing the onset of the gestation period. Peculiar pregnancy tests were carried out by wetting grains with female urine, mixing urine with wine, changes in the characteristics of the biological fluid under the influence of various additives, and also injecting it certain kind frogs. So, it was believed that when pregnancy occurs, grains of wheat or barley, watered with urine, germinate faster, which helped not only to diagnose a successful conception, but also to predict the sex of the child. A repetition of such a test in the 70s of the 20th century showed a 70% effectiveness of the method for determining pregnancy.

A modern pregnancy test allows you to high probability to determine the beginning of the birth of a new life without lengthy experiments with various compositions and grains. The variety of tests for rapid diagnostics, however, suggests the need to know when to take a pregnancy test, how to interpret the result and which tests are best to use.

Despite the modernization diagnostic methods, the material for testing remains the same as in the Middle Ages. Urine contains human chorionic gonadotropin, the same hormone whose concentration is measured in the diagnosis of pregnancy by a blood test.

In the venous blood, the hCG hormone begins to be determined 2-3 days after the beginning of the introduction of the chorionic villi to the walls of the uterus. Human chorionic gonadotropin reaches a sufficient concentration for most tests in the excreted urine about a week after the start of the process of its production in the body.

If there is a sufficient concentration of hCG in the urine for the level of sensitivity of the test, the reaction of the chemical preparation occurs on the surface of the test and the hormone. In the absence of a hormone or its insufficient concentration, the reaction does not occur, and the result is negative.

The average sensitivity of tests on the market is 25 mUI, which hCG reaches, as a rule, two weeks after fertilization. Existing tests with higher sensitivity, reacting to a smaller amount of the hormone, diagnose its appearance 3-4 days earlier.

When can I use the test with a regular menstrual cycle?

If the menstrual cycle is characterized by regularity and a constant number of days between the onset of bleeding, then it is not difficult to calculate the ovulation period. The middle of the cycle (with a standard menstruation cycle of 28 days - on day 14) the egg is released.
Fertilization of the egg is possible within three days, it life cycle. After the process of fusion of the egg and sperm for 4-5 days, the germ cells migrate through the uterus to the site of placentation, after which the production of hCG begins. Assuming fertilization within 2 days, 4 days of migration and the time necessary to achieve the desired level of hormone concentration in the urine, highly sensitive tests are able to show the onset of pregnancy 10 days after ovulation, that is, with an average cycle of 28 days - on the 24th day of the cycle . For greater certainty, experts recommend using a highly sensitive test on the 12th day after the release of the egg from the ovary, tests of normal sensitivity - after 15-16 days.

Diagnosis of pregnancy with an irregular cycle

If the menstrual cycle is not regular, the length of periods between periods varies, then the time of using the test depends on the date of ovulation.
Ovulation can be determined by subjective feelings(some women feel characteristic tingling in the area of one of the ovaries, a feeling of fullness, swelling, sensitivity, mood changes), as well as by measuring rectal temperature and with an ovulation test. When determining the onset of ovulation and possible fertilization, a pregnancy test is used 15 days after the due date.

Morning is wiser than evening: when is the best time to take a test

Most modern test strips do not limit the diagnostic period to any time of day: they can be used in the morning, afternoon, and night. However, experts, given the possibility of a natural decrease in the concentration of hCG after consumption a large number liquids, it is recommended to resort to diagnosis in the morning, using the first portion of urine after a night's sleep, especially with a short probable gestational age.

During the day, when fluid enters the body, the concentration of the hormone decreases. For periods more than 18 days after ovulation, this factor is not decisive, however, the timing of ovulation also does not always coincide with the expected ones. For accurate indicators, it is better to follow the recommendations of specialists, and in a situation where the test needs to be carried out in the afternoon or evening, then the diagnosis is optimal after four hours of abstinence from the toilet and limited use of liquid products to maintain the level of hCG concentration.

Rules for the use of rapid tests

It is necessary to follow the rules for storage of tests provided by the manufacturer.
Using the test in a damaged package may distort the diagnostic results.
The package is opened immediately before the diagnosis.
Using an expired test leads to incorrect results.
The optimal time for the test is in the morning, immediately after a night's sleep.
If the test is not a jet test, a urine collection requires the use of a clean container.
It is recommended to carry out hygienic procedures with washing of the external genital organs before testing.
Strictly follow the instructions for use.

Pregnancy test: instructions for use

Exist Various types express tests. Instructions for each type are attached to the test, violation of the rules of use most often leads to the appearance of incorrect indicators.

When diagnosing pregnancy, the test is used within the time specified by the manufacturer. If testing is recommended from the first days of delay, then it is likely that the sensitivity of the reagent or individual characteristics, the timing of conception will allow you to detect pregnancy earlier specified period, however, most often an accurate result is possible only on the indicated days of the cycle.

The cost of the test most often directly correlates with its reliability: the lower the price, the lower the cost of production and cheaper chemical reagent, respectively, higher the number of incorrect results. Four modifications of tests are most common on the market today, each variety has its own characteristics and instructions for use. Some manufacturers produce various types of tests under a single brand (Evitest or Evitest, Frautest, etc.), when buying, you need to pay attention to the variety.

Test strip or strip test

Strip test (stripe test, strip test) - one of the first options for diagnosing pregnancy, a test for self use and rapid interpretation of results. The most common and cheapest option (for example, Itest Plus is offered at a price of 20 rubles).
A paper-plastic strip with an additional inner layer impregnated with reagents stains in one or two places upon contact with urine. One strip confirms the effectiveness of the test, two indicate the presence of a sufficient concentration of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin to confirm pregnancy.

Rules for use: collect the first morning urine in a clean container, lower the test to the border indicated on the strip, hold it in liquid required time(usually 20-30 seconds), remove and place on a dry horizontal surface.

The diagnostic results appear within a period of 1 to 10 minutes, depending on the concentration of the hormone. Some tests can also change the color of the control strip paler color, topics less term pregnancy.

Tablet type tests

Tablet tests are based on the same principle of action as strip tests: when a certain part of the surface comes into contact with urine, a chemical reaction of the reagent and the hCG hormone occurs. To reduce the probability of error, the volume of liquid is dosed, and the contact point is limited by a special window.
According to the instructions, it is necessary to collect urine in the attached clean container, then use the pipette from the kit to dose 4 drops into the small window of the test tablet. The results are evaluated in the following window: depending on the variety, one or two stripes or minus and plus appear.

Inkjet tests

This variety is considered one of the most accurate and sensitive, and also does not require additional devices and manipulations. The test strip is placed under the stream of urine for 10 seconds (if necessary, you can use a container and immerse the test in urine).
The results are to be evaluated after an interval of 1 to 10 minutes, depending on the concentration of the hormone. Unlike the above options, inkjet tests can be applied 5 days before the expected date of menstruation.

Digital pregnancy test

Electronic modification usual options. The test evaluates the concentration of the hCG hormone and requires immersion in urine, but the result (depending on the type of test) is displayed either on an electronic mini-board or appears on the computer screen, to which the test is connected via a USB port.
This option is considered the most optimal due to the impossibility of distorting the interpretation of the results. However, the sensitivity of digital tests the same as that of jet: it is possible to use them 3-4 days before the expected date of menstruation. When testing 2 days before the start of menstruation, an accuracy of 99% is guaranteed.

Negative test result in developing pregnancy

In most cases, tests show a negative result in pregnant women with too much early application tests with low sensitivity, non-compliance with the instructions for use or storage. A negative result is also possible due to late ovulation And late conception- in such cases, the hormonal background changes more slowly than expected in accordance with the menstrual cycle.

Diseases endocrine system, violations hormonal background also lead to negative test results. For the threat of miscarriage, an increase in the level of the hCG hormone that does not correspond to the gestational age is characteristic, which, accordingly, leads to one strip on the test at a time when the concentration of hCG should be sufficient for two.

It is worth knowing that during gestation, tests can only be used in the first trimester. The concentration of hCG is not maintained during the period of expectation of the child, which leads to incidents: if tests are carried out for a period of more than 2-3 months, the result will be negative.

False positive results

Positive test results in non-pregnant women are much less common than the opposite situation and in most cases indicate the presence of diseases (ovarian dysfunction, the formation of a tumor formation in reproductive organs that produces hormones, etc.). False-positive diagnostic results are also noted in the first two months. postpartum period and when using an expired test.

Testing during menstruation

In some women, pregnancy is accompanied by menstrual-like discharge, similar in abundance, timing and manifestations to normal menstruation. As a rule, the discharge ends in the first trimester, but there are cases of their manifestations throughout the entire gestation period. In such situations, it is recommended to resort to diagnostics by a blood test, but the use of tests is also possible.
Any test is based on an assessment of the concentration of the hormone in the urine and getting into it. menstrual flow does not affect test performance.

If test results are in doubt

Sometimes it is not easy to interpret the results of express diagnostics: the second indicator strip is slightly marked, translucent from the inside of the test. Sometimes this happens due to poor-quality production of cheap paper test strips: when wet, the reagent becomes somewhat more noticeable than when dry.
A visible but pale second line most often indicates a low hCG level insufficient for the sensitivity of the test. In this case, it is better to postpone the test for 1-2 days or use a more highly sensitive option.

A strip with an insufficient degree of coloration may also appear as a result of improper storage of the test, violation of the instructions. In any case, retesting and/or blood testing for hCG is recommended.

Ectopic or non-developing pregnancy

Test results for ectopic and/or non-developing pregnancy are also positive: on the days of the expected menstruation, the presence of a second strip on the test is most often noted. But an increase in the level of the hormone under such conditions does not occur; on re-testing, the pregnancy indicator strip may turn pale or not appear, which requires immediate appeal to the doctor.