how to read a pregnancy test

Pregnancy Test Strip Instructions

woman holding pregnancy test strip

Click here to order our BFP Early Pregnancy Test Strips.

For a printable version of Pregnancy Test Strip instructions, please click here.

INSTRUCTIONS

pregnancy test dip instructions

The BFP Pregnancy Test can be performed at any time of the day; however, testing first morning urine is preferable.

  1. Urinate into a clean, dry cup or container.

  2. Remove the testing device from the foil pouch by tearing at the notch. Hold the strip at the colored end. (Do not touch the arrow end; do not touch the test window/the middle part of the strip)

  3. Holding the strip vertically, immerse the end of the strip with the arrows into the specimen. Do not immerse past the MAX line.

  4. Take the strip out when the sample has migrated to the test window (at least 5 seconds). Lay the strip (MAX side facing up) flat on a clean, dry, non-absorbent surface.

READING YOUR RESULTS

While you are waiting for your result, you may notice a colored solution moving across the test strip. This is normal. You need to wait 10 minutes to confirm the result. The test should not be evaluated after 30 minutes. The exact color of the line is not important.

1 Line = Not Pregnant

If only 1 colored line appears as the control line, the test is negative and you can assume you are not pregnant.

2 Lines = Pregnant

If 2 colored lines appear, 1 as the testing line and 1 as the control line, the test is positive and you can assume you are pregnant. Even if the lines are very light in color, you can still assume you are pregnant.

pregnancy comparison chart

Invalid Results: If the control line does not appear, the test is invalid. Invalid results may be an indication that the test strip was not thoroughly saturated in urine. In this case, re-dip the test for at least 5 seconds and wait 10 minutes to read results. If there is still no control line, the test is invalid and you should retest the following day. Each test is designed for a single use and should not be reused.

WHAT THE RESULTS MEAN

A positive result (2 Lines) indicates that your urine contains hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin) and you can assume you are pregnant. You should consult your doctor who is best able to further advise you on proper prenatal care. If you are taking medication, contact them immediately and make sure it is safe for your baby.

A negative result (1 Line in the “Control Zone” ) means that no hCG has been detected and you can assume you are not pregnant. If a week passes and your menstrual period is still delayed, you should do another BFP Pregnancy Test. If the result is still negative in the later test, there is little chance that you are pregnant. However, because there could be health-related reasons why you are not menstruating, you should see your doctor without delay.

If your menstrual cycle is irregular, it can be difficult to know the day you have missed your period. If your test indicated you are not pregnant and you menstrual cycle does not begin within a few days, you may have miscalculated your cycle and should use a second BFP Pregnancy Test.

LIMITATIONS OF TEST

The test works only if the instructions are followed precisely. Although the test is highly accurate in detecting pregnancy, a low incidence of false results can occur. Check with your doctor if you get unexpected or inconsistent test results. Certain health conditions can also cause a false or irregular test result. The following factors should not affect the test results: alcohol, analgestics (pain killers), antibiotics, and birth control pills. The test should not be used after the expiration date shown on the package. The BFP Pregnancy Test Strips is greater than 99% accurate.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. How does the BFP Pregnancy Test Strip work?
A. When a woman is pregnant, her body produces a special pregnancy hormone known as hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin). This hormone appears in the urine as early as the first day of a missed menstrual cycle. A positive result indicates that your urine contains hCG and you can assume you are pregnant. A negative result means that no hCG has been detected and you can assume you are not pregnant.

Q. What if the testing line is very light in color, am I pregnant?
A. Yes. You should assume you are pregnant. The exact color of the lines is not important.

Q. Can the results change after a certain length of time?
A. A positive test result might not change after the test is completed and several hours thereafter. However, a negative test result should not be read after 30 minutes.

Q. What should I do if the test result is negative and I still suspect that I am pregnant?
A. You may have miscalculated when your period was due. If your period does not start within a week, repeat the test. If you still get a negative result and your period has not started, you should see your doctor.

Q. What if I am uncertain about the testing line?
A. If you are uncertain about the testing line, it is recommended that you retest three days later using another test strip.

Q. What factors can give false positive results?
A. A positive result may be seen if you had a miscarriage or have given birth within the past 8 weeks (since hCG may still be in your system). Certain drugs which contain hCG or that are used in combination with hCG (such as Pregnyl, Profasi, Pergonal, APL) and some rare medical conditions such as trophoblastic disease, Islet cell tumors, and some carcinomas can also give false positive results. In these cases, you should ask your doctor for help interpreting your test results.

Related Articles