How to Use a Pregnancy Test Strip

You can use the test strip at any time of the day. But it is recommended to use the first morning urine. Follow these steps to use the pregnancy strip

•Urinate into a clean, dry container

•Remove the strip from its case by carefully tearing it at the tip. Hold the strip at the colored end. (Do not touch the arrow end)

•While holding the strip with care, put the end of the strip with the arrows into the container that contains your urine. Do not let the urine be above the MAX line.

Take the strip out after few seconds (at least 5 seconds). Lay the strip on a flat surface.

READING YOUR RESULTS

While you are waiting for your result, you may notice a colored liquid moving up the strip—this is completely normal.  You need to wait for a few minutes to confirm the result. If it shows one line, it means you are not pregnant, the test is negative. If it reveals two colored lines, the test is positive and you can assume that you are pregnant.  Even if the colors of the lines are faint, you should assume you are pregnant—because the test detected a level of hCG in the body.

Results can be invalid or inconclusive If the control line does not appear. That means the test strip is damaged. Get a new one, probably a different brand and repeat the test.

INTERPRETING YOUR RESULTS

A positive result shows that your urine contains hCG and that you are pregnant. Immediately you get the result, consult your doctor so as to run some blood test and find out how far off you are, when to start prenatal care and some lifestyle adjustments.

A negative result means that no hCG was detected and you might not be pregnant. Wait until a week and if your period doesn't come, I'll advice you repeat the test. There are other health related issues that prevents one from menstruating. If after repeating the test,it is still negative, you should contact your doctor.