Can a pregnancy test be wrong in the early stages and not show two lines if conception has occurred? When pregnancy tests may show an incorrect result. Can a pregnancy test be incorrect.

Before the invention of pregnancy tests, humanity resorted to various methods of guessing the onset of the gestational period. Original pregnancy tests were carried out by wetting grain with female urine, mixing urine with wine, changing the characteristics of biological fluid under the influence of various additives, and also injecting it into a certain type of frog. Thus, 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 gender of the child. A repetition of a similar test in the 70s of the 20th century showed a 70% effectiveness of the method for determining pregnancy.

A modern pregnancy test makes it possible to determine with a high probability the beginning of a new life without lengthy experiments with various compositions and grains. The variety of rapid diagnostic tests, however, requires knowing when to take a pregnancy test, how to interpret the result, and which tests are best to use.

Despite the modernization of 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 assessed when diagnosing pregnancy using a blood test.

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

If there is a concentration of hCG in the urine sufficient for the level of sensitivity of the test, a reaction of the chemical on the surface of the test and the hormone occurs. In the absence of the 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; hCG usually reaches this level two weeks after fertilization. Existing tests with higher sensitivity, reacting to smaller amounts of the hormone, diagnose its appearance 3-4 days earlier.

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

If the menstrual cycle is regular and has a constant number of days between the onset of bleeding, then calculating the date of ovulation is easy. The middle of the cycle (with a standard menstrual cycle of 28 days - on the 14th day) the egg is released.
Fertilization of an egg is possible within three days, its 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 placentation site, 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 concentration in the urine of the hormone, 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 confidence, experts recommend using a highly sensitive test on the 12th day after the release of the egg from the ovary, and tests of ordinary sensitivity - after 15-16 days.

Diagnosis of pregnancy with irregular cycles

If the menstrual cycle is not regular, the duration of the periods between menstruation varies, then the time to use the test depends on the date of ovulation.
Ovulation can be determined by subjective sensations (some women feel characteristic tingling in the area of ​​one of the ovaries, a feeling of fullness, swelling, changes in sensitivity, mood), as well as by measuring rectal temperature and using an ovulation test. To determine 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, taking into account the possibility of a natural decrease in the concentration of hCG after drinking a large amount of liquid, recommend resorting to diagnosis in the morning, using the first portion of urine after a night's sleep, especially if the probable stage of pregnancy is short.

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, but the timing of ovulation also does not always coincide with the expected one. For accurate indicators, it is better to follow the recommendations of specialists, and in a situation where the test needs to be carried out during the day or evening, the optimal diagnosis would be after four hours of abstaining from going to the toilet and limiting the consumption of liquid products to maintain the level of hCG concentration.

Rules for using rapid tests

• It is necessary to follow the test storage rules provided by the manufacturer.
• Using the test in damaged packaging may distort diagnostic results.
• The package is opened immediately before diagnostics.
• Using an expired test will result in 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, urine collection requires the use of a clean container.
• It is recommended to carry out hygienic procedures including washing the external genitalia before testing.
• Strictly follow the instructions for use.

Pregnancy test: instructions for use

There are different types of rapid tests. Instructions for each type are attached to the test; violation of the rules of use most often results in the appearance of incorrect indicators.

When diagnosing pregnancy, the test is used within the time frame specified by the manufacturer. If testing is recommended from the first days of the delay, then there is a possibility that the sensitivity of the reagent or individual characteristics, the timing of conception will allow pregnancy to be detected earlier than the specified period, but 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 production cost and the cheaper the chemical reagent, respectively, the higher the number of incorrect results. The most common tests on the market today are four modifications; each type has its own characteristics and instructions for use. Some manufacturers produce different types of tests under a single brand (Evitest or Evitest, Frautest, etc.); when purchasing, you need to pay attention to the variety.

Test strip or strip test

The strip test is one of the first options for diagnosing pregnancy, a test for independent use and quick interpretation of the 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 becomes colored 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.

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

Diagnostic results appear within a period of 1 to 10 minutes, depending on the concentration of the hormone. Some tests can also change the degree of color of the control strip - the paler the color, the shorter the gestational age.

Tablet type tests

Tablet tests are based on the same operating principle as strip tests: when a certain part of the surface comes into contact with urine, a chemical reaction occurs between the reagent and the hCG hormone. To reduce the likelihood of error, the volume of liquid is dosed, and the contact point is limited by a special window.
According to the instructions, you need to collect urine in the included clean container, then use the pipette included in 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 a minus and a plus appear.

Inkjet tests

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

Digital pregnancy test

Electronic modification of conventional 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-display 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 is the same as that of inkjet tests: they can be used 3-4 days before the expected date of menstruation. When tested 2 days before the start of your period, 99% accuracy is guaranteed.

Negative test result in developing pregnancy

In most cases, tests show a negative result in pregnant women if tests with low sensitivity are used too early, or instructions for use or storage are not followed. A negative result is also possible due to late ovulation and late conception - in such cases, hormonal levels change more slowly than expected in accordance with the menstrual cycle.

Diseases of the endocrine system and hormonal imbalances also lead to negative test results. The threat of miscarriage is characterized by an increase in the level of the hCG hormone that is inappropriate for the gestational age, which, accordingly, leads to one line on the test at a time when the hCG concentration should be sufficient for two.

It is worth knowing that during pregnancy, tests can only be used in the first trimester. The concentration of hCG is not maintained during the period of waiting for 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 Positives

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 in the reproductive organs that produces hormones, etc.). False-positive diagnostic results are also observed in the first two months of the 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 symptoms to normal menstruation. As a rule, the discharge ends in the first trimester, but there are known cases of its manifestations throughout the entire gestation period. In such situations, it is recommended to resort to diagnosis using a blood test, but the use of tests is also possible.
Any test is based on assessing the concentration of the hormone in the urine and the presence of menstrual fluid in it does not affect the effectiveness of the tests.

If the test results are in doubt

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

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

Ectopic or non-developing pregnancy

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

If you are interested in the question of whether you are pregnant or not, the period is short and you bought an inexpensive test system, then it is better to use it in the morning. Such pregnancy test in the evening may show unreliable results. After reading the article, you will find out why this happens and which tests show the most accurate results.

When the regulator is delayed, every woman begins to worry and looks for the cause of a possible failure, scrolling through the options. These include pregnancy, problems in the body, and stress. To test a theory regarding pregnancy, you just need to buy a test system at a pharmacy; it is inexpensive, and in most cases the result is reliable. Manufacturers often insist that the test be carried out in the morning, because after sleep the “pregnancy hormone” in urine is at its maximum concentration.

But sometimes you don’t have the moral strength to wait until the morning and you want to do a test immediately; in order to understand whether it’s worth following the instructions, you need to understand the operating principle of test systems. The test can detect the presence of pregnancy even after 1-2 weeks from the moment of conception; it is most reliable after a delay.

The simplest test is made in the form of a strip soaked in a reagent sensitive to hCG. After the fertilized egg is implanted, the hormone is intensively produced and enters the urine. Its highest concentration is observed early in the morning after sleep.

There are several variations of test systems that differ in quality and price:

• strips are the most popular due to their low cost, they are quite reliable, but less accurate than expensive analogues;
• tablets are quite reliable and convenient;
• Inkjet ones are easy to use, but not affordable.

Despite the fact that more expensive tests are considered more reliable, the simplest ones are also quite reliable. If you get a negative result, you can check it again, for example, after a week. The production of the hormone increases every day during pregnancy.

If we are talking about early diagnosis, then it is better to conduct a study using the first morning urine. As pregnancy progresses, the amount of the necessary hormone increases and at a certain point it will be able to contribute to the appearance of a second stripe at any time of the day. To carry out early diagnosis, venous blood is taken, and the analysis is also done on an empty stomach, in the morning.

Rules for using test systems

The technology of use may vary slightly depending on which test you purchased. If you have in your hands the simplest and most popular of them - a strip, then collect the first morning urine in a clean container, open the package and immerse the test strip in the urine to the indicated line, it is marked as “MAX”. Hold for 5 seconds, move the strip to a dry, clean surface, a white thick cloth will do. Wait until the test system reagents interact with urine and the test dries, see the result.

In tablet tests there are a couple of windows, urine is placed into them with a pipette; and when using a jet test, you simply need to place it under the stream while urinating. In any case, before using a simple or more advanced test, read the instructions and act exclusively according to them.

The waiting period before the response appears in all test systems is approximately the same. If there is only one line on the test, then there is no pregnancy or the test was done too early to determine it; when two red stripes appear, pregnancy is confirmed; if there is a stripe in the area indicating improper use, it means you have violated the technology or are using a low-quality test. Even if there is a faint second line, you are pregnant, but the period is probably still short. If the test system indicates pregnancy, you need to visit a gynecologist who will send you for an ultrasound.

When used correctly, test systems determine the presence of pregnancy in approximately 95% of cases. They make mistakes very rarely, but still there is such a possibility.

Possible causes of the error:

• poor quality test;
• violation of the rules of use;
• pregnancy is too short.

Not all tests can determine pregnancy before the delay. If, at a short term, the analysis is done in the evening, then the level of the hormone that interacts with the reagent may be so low that it will not detect pregnancy. As you can see, in the evening the second stripe may not appear in the early stages.

A couple of strips in the absence of pregnancy

This option is also possible; in this case, the cause of the error may be health problems. Accordingly, you need to immediately visit a doctor. Regulations can be delayed not only due to fertilization; disruptions in the cycle are caused by stress, strain, rapid weight loss, exhaustion, and various diseases. Among them are cysts, fibroids, prolactinomas. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the health and arrival schedule of the regulator.

If the test shows a positive result, do not delay going to the hospital. Your task is to choose a good specialist who will rule out ectopic pregnancy, prescribe an ultrasound and refer you for tests.

Thinking about whether the test done in the evening is reliable, we can come to the conclusion that the veracity of the result depends on the stage of pregnancy and the quality of the test system. Listen to your body, the following changes may indicate that you are pregnant: the appearance of nausea, a change in culinary preferences, increased irritability, the desire to rest a lot, frequent mood changes. Be attentive to yourself and how you feel; if you have doubts about the reliability of the result, repeat the test in a few days.

Many doctors use rapid tests, recognizing the results as reliably correct. They are taken into account when planning further, more accurate diagnostics. They help to find out early on that a woman is expecting maternity leave. But can a pregnancy test be wrong in the early stages?

Why does the test not show pregnancy in the first weeks after fertilization of the egg?

You need to understand that the principle of operation of this device is the reaction of a special reagent to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In the absence of pregnancy, the hCG level is zero or in minimal quantities. In a pregnant woman, the hCG level begins to rise rapidly, as it is produced by the chorion (the membrane of the embryo).

If your period is late and a woman suspects that she has conceived, she buys a test. It should respond to the level of hCG in the urine. But not every girl knows that the level of this hormone first increases in the blood, and only on days 14-16 in the urine. In the first days after the delay, the probability of error is very high, since it may not yet appear in sufficient quantities.

Most tests are accurate starting at a concentration of 25 units.

In this table you can see what the content of hCG is in the urine by day from conception.

False negative result

If a woman is sure that conception has occurred, but the test is false, then the procedure must be repeated after 3-4 days. If nothing is found again, then you should consult a gynecologist and undergo an examination.

A false negative result is possible for the following diseases:

• ovarian dysfunction;
• regular use of hormonal medications;
• failure of menstruation, in which it is not possible to correctly calculate the exact duration of pregnancy;
• the presence of tumors of various types;
• with pathologies in the development of the embryo. Sometimes a pregnancy with a negative test proceeds with a frozen fetus;
• pathological changes in the kidneys.

If a woman has all the signs of pregnancy, but the test is negative, then only a gynecologist can resolve this issue. He will prescribe a detailed diagnostic study (ultrasound, blood test, etc.) and identify the cause.

False positive result

In what cases is a pregnancy test false positive?

• incorrect use of the test;
• expired pregnancy test;
• often the test shows 2 stripes within a month during an ectopic pregnancy, after a spontaneous or induced abortion. In the early stages, women may have a spontaneous miscarriage during menstruation, which she is not even aware of. However, the test results may be positive;
• taking hormonal medications for the treatment of the genitourinary and reproductive systems;
• incorrect hormonal levels. Most often, such women have an irregular menstrual cycle, and their body weight may be significantly increased;
• two stripes may indicate menopause. Knowing that mistakes are possible during this period, women do not always rush to the gynecologist. However, late pregnancy (after 45 years) is not so uncommon. Therefore, it is better to play it safe and go to the doctor;
• an erroneous value may occur if there is a cyst on the ovaries. It is the growth of tumor formations that is accompanied by an additional release of hCG into the blood.

What to do if a pregnancy test shows a positive result, but fertilization could not have occurred? You need to urgently go to the doctor, get examined and treat diseases that can cause an increase in hCG.

Other reasons for incorrect results

Do pregnancy tests lie for other reasons? Women often encounter a problem when the indicator does not show a single strip. This option is possible if it is of low quality. Therefore, you can test at once with several strips from different manufacturers.

Not all women read the instructions carefully. It says that the accuracy does not exceed 97-99%.

If the test is negative, but there is a delay, then the reason may be improper storage in the pharmacy or at home.

An error is possible if a woman purchased strips “in reserve.” Many people don’t even pay attention to the expiration date.

The test may give incorrect data if it is not immersed in urine correctly.

If a woman has an increased level of protein in her urine, then all the symptoms of pregnancy will be, but there may be no result. After all, the strip also has a protein base.

The result may be false negative or false positive if the woman is in a severe stressful situation. Tests are often mistaken for those women who want to become a mother and cannot get pregnant for a long time.

How to use it correctly?

The test is informative from the first day of the delay and the further you go, the more accurate the result. If a woman is 5 days late, then it’s definitely time to go to the pharmacy.

Paper

The most inexpensive budget test is a paper strip. If there is a delay, you need to lower one end of the stick into the urine to the mark and hold for several seconds. After this, the strip is placed in a horizontal position for 1-3 minutes and wait for the results. Does the test always show pregnancy? The answer is no. There is a possibility of error (1-3%).

Tablet

A tablet test is more accurate and informative. Its operating principle is similar to that of paper, but it is housed in a plastic case. The information is quite accurate, error is only possible from incorrect use. Often such a test would lie if the procedure was carried out during the day or evening.

The correct result is guaranteed when using morning urine. If a woman wants to get pregnant, many gynecologists suggest using just such a gadget. It is convenient and quite accurate.

Jet

With the jet test, there is no need to collect urine in a container. It is enough to place it under the stream and the result will appear within a few seconds. This test is ultra-sensitive and quite accurate.

Electronic

If a woman is 5 days or more late, doctors may recommend an electronic test. If a positive or negative result is obtained, then such information is considered accurate, and the device has a maximum reliability indicator.

If a woman is sure that she is pregnant, but the paper test is wrong, then you can use a digital one. Its advantage is that it will not only show the occurrence of fertilization, but also the date of conception. This option can be used when your period is 7 days or more late.

What happens if there is an ectopic?

Unfortunately, the fertilized egg does not always enter the uterus. Due to pathological processes in the tubes, an ectopic pregnancy can begin. How does the test react in this case?

When the fertilized egg is implanted - it doesn’t matter into the uterus or into the fallopian tube - hCG is still synthesized. This means that the test will show that there is a pregnancy.

So, this gadget is quite accurate, but it can also make mistakes.

Competently: answers from a gynecologist

Obstetrician-gynecologist Elena Artemyeva answers patients’ questions.

— I had an ectopic pregnancy and a miscarriage. And now, three months later, there are again two stripes and a delay. Could there be a pregnancy?

— A pregnancy test may be wrong in case of inflammatory processes localized in the pelvis. I advise you to do an ultrasound and donate blood for hCG.

— I had a cryopreservation. What is the reliability of a pregnancy test now? The paper one showed a very weak second line, and the electronic one showed a plus sign and a period of 2 weeks. I take utrozhestan, chimes, and folic acid.

— Do a blood test for hCG, this is the most accurate method. But in general, a weakly positive test is a positive test! Continue taking your medications.

— Before my period, Evitest showed two lines, and then my period came. After my period I have two again, but the second one is weak. But the paper one showed only one... Maybe it was defective?

— Sometimes paper strips are stained not by hCG, but by other substances present in the urine. And they give false positive results. A more accurate method is a blood test for hCG.

— Can thrush affect the test?

- No. Yeast vulvitis does not affect the result in any way. It is not thrush that is determined, but hCG.

— What result will the strip show if the pregnancy is ectopic?

— It shows pregnancy of any localization.

— What is the reliability of a pregnancy test before a delay?

- Low. He is informative from the first day of the delay. 2-4 days before menstruation you can donate blood for hCG.

— Period is 5 days late, the test is negative, could there be pregnancy?

- Probably not. At this time the result is quite accurate. But I still advise you to donate blood for hCG to exclude pregnancy. And then go to the doctor: you need to understand what is the reason for the cycle disruption.

— I had 2 stripes and a delay of 5 days, and then my period came. After menstruation there are two stripes again. What does it mean?

- This may be due to cycle disorders. You need to go to the doctor and get examined.

How many emotions every woman experiences while waiting for the result of a pregnancy test! Whether she wants to be a mother or, on the contrary, she is afraid of it, the expectation of the result does not leave anyone indifferent. Fear, excitement, anticipation - and all this in just a few seconds or minutes. And now, the result is ready - the woman exhales either with relief, or with disappointment, or she cries with fear, or with happiness... The bouquet of emotions is truly diverse and strong in any case. But the question is: can a pregnancy test be wrong? Is it worth spending so much nerve on it? Let's try to figure it out together.

In order to evaluate the accuracy of pregnancy tests, it is necessary to understand how they work. And it is absolutely the same, regardless of brand, cost and principle of operation. Any pregnancy test reacts positively to the presence of the hCG hormone in the urine. It appears from the moment of conception and increases exponentially, doubling every 2-3 days.

The bottom line is that in the early stages the concentration of the hormone is negligible, and pregnancy tests are not so sensitive as to instantly react positively. This is how a pregnancy test makes mistakes if it is used for too short a period. That is why test manufacturers unanimously indicate in the instructions for use that in case of a negative result, it is worth repeating the test every other day - if pregnancy has occurred, the amount of the hormone in the urine will increase significantly to show a positive result. This is just one of the reasons why a pregnancy test is wrong.

There may be several reasons besides those described above.

When is a pregnancy test wrong?

1. As already mentioned, the test may make errors with a short delay. An insufficient amount of hCG in early pregnancy has a direct connection with a false negative result.
2. A reduced level of the hormone in the blood may also indicate the development of an ectopic pregnancy. This is one of the main signs by which you can recognize it at the very beginning. That's why at the first signs of pregnancy you should see a doctor as soon as possible! The sooner, the fewer consequences.
3. If there is a threat of miscarriage, a decreased level of hCG is also observed, which will lead to a negative test result.
4. Poor quality manufacturer. You should not give preference to the cheapest tests. But even the most expensive ones essentially make no sense either - unless the packaging and preliminary determination of the gestational age are important to you.
5. Expiration date. Pay attention to this parameter, and you shouldn’t store such things yourself - it’s better to buy tests immediately before use.
6. Incorrect use of the test. Regardless of the type of test, it is better to use the first urine in the morning, and you should not drink a lot of liquid the day before. This way the urine will be concentrated, and the hCG content, if present, will be easier for sensitive components to recognize.
7. After an abortion, hCG does not immediately decline, so tests may show a false positive result for some time.
8. The test may give an error if there are diseases that affect the hCG hormone. For example, a false positive result can be obtained with the formation of a hormone-dependent cyst, and a false negative result with kidney disease.
9. Some drugs, for example, Profasi or Pregni, can affect a slight excess of hCG. Wait two weeks after your last dose and then take the test.

How often are pregnancy tests wrong?

Based on the above, we can say with confidence that if you use a high-quality pregnancy test and follow its instructions, the likelihood of error is very small. Properly done proven tests are extremely rarely wrong, but it is still advisable to buy 1-3 pieces at once and do them at intervals of several days.

Now you know how to protect yourself as much as possible from a false pregnancy test result. Now let's see what types of pregnancy tests there are, so that you have 100% of the necessary information and find exactly what you need at the pharmacy!

Types of pregnancy tests

Test strip

The most budget and affordable option. The test really costs pennies, and you can find it in absolutely any pharmacy. You need to collect morning urine in a special clean container, dip the tip of the test into it for a while, then remove it and wait for the result to appear. One line means there is no pregnancy, two lines means there is. Everything is extremely simple and takes just a few minutes.

Jet pregnancy test

It is considered one of the most reliable pregnancy tests today. It can be carried out at any time of the day due to increased sensitivity, but in any case, morning urine is always preferable for research.

An obvious plus is hygiene, because the test does not require urine collection. It is enough to place the desired end of the test under the stream and wait for some time for the result to appear - in the form of one or two stripes.

Digital pregnancy test

In the previous version, the strip may be barely visible, which is confusing and does not allow you to correctly interpret the result. With digital or electronic tests it is much simpler - the result is displayed on a small display on which “Yes” or “No”, “Pregnant”, “Not pregnant”, “+” or “-“ is written in black and white. High accuracy and increased sensitivity allow the test to be carried out at any time of the day.

An electronic test can make mistakes just like any other test if it is late, done incorrectly, or done too early. Just repeat it after 2 days if the result is negative, if there is a high probability that it should be positive.

Reusable pregnancy test

An ultra-modern option, but not yet popular enough in our country due to its high cost. Usually the test is equipped with 20 replaceable cartridges, that is, it implies 20 attempts of use. The cartridge is inserted into the test, after which the usual manipulations are performed with it. But to read the result you don’t have to wait, as usual. You need to insert the test into the USB connector of your computer and read the result. Yes, yes, in appearance this pregnancy test resembles an ordinary flash drive with a display. It is on this that the result is displayed: plus or minus, yes or no, or even the option shown in the picture below. Reading the amount of the hCG hormone allows you to determine the due date and even calculate the PDR - the preliminary date of birth. If the result is negative, then the smart test will calculate favorable days for conception in the next cycle!

How to choose a pregnancy test

So, we have identified 4 main types of pregnancy tests. But no matter how different they are from each other, their principle of action is the same - they all react to an increase in the hCG hormone in the urine! So when choosing a pregnancy test, proceed from your financial capabilities and your own preferences.

Most Internet users consider inkjet or digital to be optimal in terms of price/quality ratio. Test strips are inconvenient because urine needs to be collected, which is not hygienic and cannot be done everywhere. Repeated tests are of course interesting, but they are unlikely to establish the PDR with an accuracy of one day; it is better to take this information from a doctor. Although for the first time you can try the most expensive ones, practice shows that rare couples get pregnant on the first try, especially since 2 or even 3 tests may be required per cycle. So calculate your budget and buy the test that you like best based on the description.

As for brands, there are very, very many of them. They are all good in their own way; Evitest or Clearblue, for example, are quite popular. Although, despite its popularity, sometimes you can hear the opinion that the Clearblue test is wrong - like many others, if done incorrectly.

How to take a pregnancy test correctly

Whichever test you choose, try to adhere to the following simple rules to get the most accurate result:

1. Use only morning urine, even if the test indicates permission to use at any time of the day. The first urine is the most concentrated, it contains the maximum amount of hCG, which makes it easier to confirm pregnancy as quickly and accurately as possible.
2. Do not drink a lot of liquid the day before - it dilutes the concentration of urine, which can negatively affect the result.
3. Regardless of which test you choose, it is a good idea to wash yourself before using it - this way you will clear your urine of unnecessary impurities.
4. Read the instructions carefully before use; each test has its own instructions. The more expensive and sophisticated the test, the more complicated the process.
5. Follow expiration dates and do not use expired tests.

Let's sum it up

The selection of pregnancy tests these days is truly amazing. Every whim for your money! But remember that any pregnancy test can be wrong, and a positive result does not always mean pregnancy itself. It only indicates that your hCG hormone is elevated, and in rare cases this may not be caused by pregnancy at all. What caused this and whether the test is telling the truth, only your doctor can tell. If your period never comes, and tests constantly show a negative result, you should also consult a doctor, and as soon as possible! Never self-medicate; the human body, and especially the female body, is much more complex than you think. The cause of this or that event can be a lot of cases, and we know only about a small part of them.

Video " Can a pregnancy test lie?

So, you saw the coveted two stripes on the test, but doubts creep into your head - what if there was an error? We've collected answers to the 10 most common questions about pregnancy tests.

1. How does a pregnancy test work?

All pregnancy tests operate on the same principle - they recognize a special hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine (tests for home use) or blood (laboratory tests). It is produced only during pregnancy. A non-pregnant woman simply cannot have it. The level of hCG in the body from the moment the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus doubles approximately every 2-3 days and reaches a maximum at 7-12 weeks of pregnancy. Its presence in the blood and urine persists until approximately the third week after the birth of the child.

2. Can a pregnancy test be taken during the day? What time of day is best to do it?

Usually, morning urine is used to perform a pregnancy test, as it is more concentrated. But there is a test that can be done both during the day and in the evening - the exact time does not matter. This is a jet test. They are especially sensitive (look for the 10 mIU/ml mark on the package), and when using them, there is no need to collect urine anywhere - just put the test under the stream.

3. Are pregnancy tests wrong?

All instructions say that pregnancy tests are 95–99% accurate. This means that there is a chance that the result will be incorrect. So, false negative the result (the test does not show pregnancy, although there is one) is possible if:
you performed the test too early and the level of hCG in the urine is still too low;
the test has expired (read the packaging carefully before buying the test);
you performed the test incorrectly (read the instructions carefully, everything is extremely simple there);
Drinking too much liquid the day before the test can dilute the urine and reduce the concentration of hCG.

The test can also show false positive result (there is no pregnancy, but the test says that there is).
This happens if you are taking fertility drugs that contain hCG (usually in the form of injections);
In the presence of malignant tumors;
A positive pregnancy test result may also mean that the uterus contains remnants of the fertilized egg after premature birth or miscarriage.

4. On what day of delay should I test? Does it make sense to take a pregnancy test before your delay?

The sensitivity of pregnancy tests plays a big role. In general, most tests have a sensitivity of 20–25 mIU/mL (international units per mL). They are able to recognize pregnancy only from the first day of missed menstruation. Whereas there are more sensitive (10 mIU/ml), but also more expensive tests that determine pregnancy before the delay - already 7-10 days from the moment of expected conception. And after a week of delay, any tests will show pregnancy (if there is one). The level of hCG in the blood grows faster than in the urine, so pregnancy can be determined even before the expected menstruation (but not earlier than 7 days from the date of expected conception) - using a blood test for hCG, which can be done in a antenatal clinic or in commercial laboratories.

5. How to use a pregnancy test correctly?

There are different types of pregnancy tests, and they must be used in accordance with the instructions for each of them. For example:

Strip tests (test strips)
These are the simplest, cheapest and most common tests. The strip needs to be lowered for 10–20 seconds to a certain mark in a container with morning urine (it is the most concentrated). After this, the test should be placed on a horizontal surface and after a few minutes the result can be assessed. One line means you are not pregnant, the test showed two lines - pregnancy has occurred.

Tablet tests
They are designed in the same way as strip tests. Only the paper strip is placed in a plastic case. And the previously collected morning urine needs to be dropped into a special hole with the pipette included with the test. One or two stripes on the test will also tell you about the result.

Inkjet tests
Their convenience is that there is no need to collect urine anywhere - just place the test under the stream. In this case, urine does not have to be morning. Inkjet pregnancy tests are usually more sensitive. Again, a positive test result means two lines, and if only one line appears, then the test shows a negative result.

Electronic tests
These tests have a special strip - a sample receiver, which can optionally be lowered into a container with urine or placed under the stream. The result is read in 3 minutes. If “+” or the inscription “pregnant” appears on the test, you are pregnant, but if “–” or “not pregnant”, you are not.

6. Why is there a weak second stripe?

Even if the test shows a weak second line, this still means that you are pregnant, it’s just that the level of hCG in your blood is not that high yet. If in doubt, retest in 3-4 days. The hCG level will become much higher, and then the strip will be much brighter.

7. The best pregnancy test - what is it?

The answer to this question may vary depending on what you need. If you want to find out as early as possible whether you are pregnant, it is best to donate blood in a laboratory (no earlier than 7 days after the expected conception). If convenience is important to you, then some people prefer jet tests, which can be used during the day and for which you do not need to collect urine anywhere. For some, on the contrary, putting the test under the stream seems labor-intensive, and it is easier for them to collect the urine in a special jar, and then put the cheapest paper test (strip test) in there.

8. Online pregnancy test - what is it?

At best, it's just a hoax. At worst, it’s a way for scammers to make money (when, for example, to pass a test you first need to send an SMS to a specific number). There are different types of tests. Some suggest placing your finger on the blue square on the screen, and if within a few minutes it turns red, you are pregnant. However, even if you don’t put your finger on the screen, the square will turn red on its own after a while. Other tests ask you to answer a series of questions before making a verdict. For example, “Have you had unprotected sex recently?” and “Do you feel engorgement in your breasts?”

9. Does the test indicate an ectopic pregnancy?

If the fertilized egg has implanted outside the uterus, a regular pregnancy test will still be positive. True, if you do not intervene in time, the ectopic pregnancy will terminate on its own at 7-8 weeks, and all this will be accompanied by significant blood loss, pain and serious problems for the woman’s health. To avoid this, it is better to detect early signs of an ectopic pregnancy in advance and terminate such a pregnancy in a hospital. An ectopic pregnancy may be indicated, in particular, by nagging pain in the lower abdomen and spotting against the background of a positive pregnancy test. If you notice these symptoms, immediately go to the gynecologist. It will carry out, and if the pregnancy is ectopic, then there will be no fertilized egg in the uterus, but there will be epithelial growth, as in a normal pregnancy. If you belong to a risk group (adhesions, inflammation of the appendages, or have had an ectopic pregnancy before), it is better to do a qualitative blood test over time. During an ectopic pregnancy, the level of hCG in the blood is lower than during a normal pregnancy, and the test will immediately show this.

10. What stage of pregnancy does the test show? Will the test show the week of pregnancy?

Neither a strip test, nor a tablet, nor an inkjet, nor an electronic test will tell you your gestational age. They are exclusively qualitative in nature - “yes” or “no”. But you can still find out the approximate gestational age. If you do a quantitative blood test in the laboratory. He will determine the exact level of hCG in the blood, after which the doctor will be able to tell which week of pregnancy it corresponds to. Doing such a test is, in particular, useful to recognize a frozen pregnancy in the early stages. If the embryo freezes in development, the hCG level stops growing, which will be seen in this analysis.

Aglaya Jaermund