Wondering if you might be pregnant? Pregnancy test strips offer a quick, affordable, and private way to find out at home. These urine pregnancy test strips detect the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine and show results within minutes.
Most at-home pregnancy test strips are about 99% accurate when used correctly. However, getting accurate pregnancy test strips results depends entirely on using them properly and at the right time.
How Do Pregnancy Test Strips Work?
Every pregnancy test strip contains antibodies that specifically bind to hCG, the hormone your body produces after a fertilized egg implants. According to PubMed research, hCG first appears in maternal blood around 6-8 days after fertilization.
When hCG is present at detectable levels, the test strip displays a colored line in the test window. Most tests have a sensitivity of 25 mIU/mL, which can detect 98% of pregnancies by the day of the expected period.
How to Use Pregnancy Test Strip
Knowing how to do a pregnancy test with a strip correctly is essential for accurate results. Here’s the proper method:
- Collect your urine in a clean, dry container.
- First morning urine works best because it contains the highest hCG concentration.
- Dip the test strip into urine up to the marked line for 3-5 seconds.
- Remove and place the strip flat on a clean surface.
- Wait for the pregnancy strip test time specified in instructions, usually 3-5 minutes.
Never read the test after 10 minutes as this can cause confusing evaporation lines.
Pregnancy Test Strips Use in Urdu
حمل ٹیسٹ اسٹرپس کا استعمال گھر پر حمل کی ابتدائی جانچ کے لیے کیا جاتا ہے۔ یہ اسٹرپس پیشاب میں موجود ہارمون ایچ سی جی (hCG) کی مقدار کو چیک کرتی ہیں، جو حمل ٹھہرنے کے بعد جسم میں بنتا ہے۔ استعمال کرنے کے لیے سب سے پہلے صبح کا پہلا پیشاب صاف برتن میں جمع کریں کیونکہ اس وقت ہارمون کی مقدار زیادہ واضح ہوتی ہے۔ پھر اسٹرپ کو پیشاب میں دی گئی ہدایت کے مطابق چند سیکنڈ کے لیے ڈبوئیں اور نکال کر سیدھی سطح پر رکھ دیں۔
عام طور پر 3 سے 5 منٹ میں نتیجہ ظاہر ہو جاتا ہے۔ اگر اسٹرپ پر دو لکیریں نظر آئیں تو نتیجہ مثبت یعنی حمل کی نشاندہی کرتا ہے، جبکہ ایک لکیر منفی نتیجہ ظاہر کرتی ہے۔ درست نتیجے کے لیے پیک پر درج ہدایات کو غور سے پڑھنا ضروری ہے۔
Pregnancy Test Strip Results
Reading pregnancy test strips results correctly is simple once you understand what to look for.
A positive pregnancy test strip shows two colored lines: control line (C) and test line (T). Both lines must appear within the result window for a pregnancy test strip positive result. The test line may be lighter than control, but if it has color, the pregnancy test strips results positive.
A negative pregnancy test strip shows only the control line.
If you tested early and got negative results but haven’t had your period, test again in a few days. If no control line appears, the test is invalid. Use a new strip.
What Does a Faint Line Mean?
Seeing a faint line on a pregnancy test strip sometimes causes confusion. According to fertility experts, a faint positive line with color (pink or blue) appearing within the reading window usually indicates early pregnancy with low hCG levels.
Since hCG levels double every 48-72 hours in early pregnancy, testing again in two days should show a darker line if you’re pregnant.
However, a very faint line on the pregnancy test strip that is colorless or greyish appearing after the recommended reading time is likely an evaporation line, not a positive result. These form when urine dries on the strip.
Can Pregnancy Test Strip Be Wrong?
Yes, a pregnancy strip test can be wrong in certain situations. False negatives happen when you test too early before hCG is detectable, your urine is diluted from drinking fluids, or instructions aren’t followed properly.
False positives are rare but can occur with certain medical conditions, fertility treatments containing hCG, or reading results after the specified time.
Research shows some tests fail to meet claimed sensitivity levels, with certain brands showing significant variation in performance.
For highest pregnancy test strips accuracy, test after your missed period using first morning urine.
When to Do a Pregnancy Strip Test?
The best time when to use a pregnancy strip test is on or after your expected period day. Early pregnancy test strips with higher sensitivity (10-15 mIU/mL) may detect pregnancy 4-5 days before the expected period. Standard tests (25 mIU/mL sensitivity) are most reliable from the missed period day.
Pregnancy Test Strips Price in Pakistan
Several reliable pregnancy test strips options are available at pharmacies and online stores.
The pregnancy test strips price in Pakistan varies by brand. Xact pregnancy test strip is among the most affordable at PKR 40-50 per strip. Klear pregnancy test strip offers midstream tests with 99.9% claimed accuracy. Medicare pregnancy test strip and first answer pregnancy test strip brands are also widely available.
Popular pregnancy test strips names in Pakistan include Xact, Klear, and Medicare. The best pregnancy test strips in Pakistan clearly state their sensitivity level and include pregnancy test strips use in urdu instructions for proper usage.
Tips for Accurate Pregnancy Results
Getting an accurate result from your pregnancy test strip is really important so you can be sure about the outcome. A few simple tips can make a big difference and help you avoid unnecessary stress or confusion.
- Check expiration dates before use.
- Store strips in cool, dry places away from sunlight.
- Use first morning urine for early testing.
- Don’t drink excessive fluids before testing.
- Read results only within 3-5 minutes.
- If unsure, repeat the test in 48 hours.
When to See a Doctor
After getting a positive pregnancy test on strip, schedule an appointment with your gynecologist for confirmation through blood tests and ultrasound. If you experience severe pain or bleeding after a positive result, seek immediate medical attention.
You can book your appointment with the best gynecologists through Marham. Call 0311-1222398 for online or in-person consultations.
