The popularity of pregnancy tests cannot be underestimated. Currently, they use almost a third of the fairer sex. This article will tell you what good pregnancy tests are. You will learn about the types of this device and get acquainted with its work. You can also figure out how to make the right pregnancy test.
Fertilization and Pregnancy
Before you find out what good pregnancy tests are at present, it is worth getting to know a little bit about female anatomy. The natural conception occurs precisely in the female body. Normally, every month a representative of the weaker sex ovulates. This happens due to the adjusted hormonal background. Also, certain substances prepare the "soil" on the mucous membrane of the genital organ for cell implantation.
So, ovulation took place and a gamete came out of the follicle. After that, she goes into the fallopian tubes and slowly moves down them. If during this period sexual intercourse takes place, then the sperm will quickly fertilize the gamete. Further, we will talk about the fetal egg, which continues to divide and fall into the uterus. Having reached its goal, it is firmly fixed on prepared soil. It is from this moment that we can say that the pregnancy has come.
How do pregnancy tests work?
How is this condition diagnosed? After implantation of the ovum in the woman’s body, the active production of the hormone begins. Every day its number grows and reaches its maximum by about the tenth week of embryo development. It is to this substance that absolutely all pregnancy tests react. In this case, one cannot say what are good pregnancy tests and which are bad. All of them are based on the same type of reaction.
In urine, the concentration of chorionic gonadotropin (pregnancy hormone) is slightly lower than in blood. That is why the tests show the exact result a few days later than the laboratory test. The manufacturer applies a certain reagent to the test, which is stained if a pregnancy is detected.
What are some good pregnancy tests?
You cannot absolutely unequivocally answer this question. Each species has its pros and cons. Someone prefers to use inexpensive devices. The rest of the group of women believes that it is better to pay more, but get a reliable result. It is worth saying: not always the price category suggests that the quality of a pregnancy test will be good or bad. Consider what devices are, and find out their pros and cons.
Strip strip (paper test)
This device is the most popular. You can buy it at any pharmacy chain or supermarket. This is not to say that this is the most accurate pregnancy test. However, in most cases, it shows a reliable result.
The essence of using such a strip is as follows. You need to collect urine in a dry container and lower the test there to the indicated line for the specified time. After that, the strip should be put on a dry, even surface and wait a few minutes. The average duration of this time is 3-8 minutes.
Advantages of strip strips:
- inexpensive cost (from 5 to 50 rubles);
- quick result;
- small packaging;
- availability.
Disadvantages of strip strips:
- doubtful result;
- the need to collect urine;
- only morning urine is needed for diagnosis;
- distortion of the answer when used improperly;
- the need to wait for a day of delay.
Many manufacturers of such devices save on reagent. Can a pregnancy test in this case show an accurate result? More likely no than yes. Even with the right level of hormone in your blood, a strip strip can give you a negative answer.
Tablet tests
What is the best pregnancy test? Statistics and experiments suggest that a tablet (or cassette) device is more convenient and accurate than conventional strip strips. The essence of using this test is as follows. You need to collect a small portion of urine in a container. After that, using a pipette that is attached to the test, it is worth collecting a few drops of liquid and place them in the indicated window. The result is not long in coming. After five minutes, you can find out if there is a pregnancy.
Pros of the cassette test:
- relatively inexpensive cost (on average from 30 to 200 rubles);
- the convenience of applying urine to the device;
- the integrity of the container is not violated, and therefore, you will not damage the applied reagent with your fingers;
- quick result.
Cons of tablet strips:
- distortion of the result after ten minutes;
- the need to collect urine in a container;
- The need to use the morning portion of the liquid.
Ink tests
The results of a pregnancy test can be evaluated without prior collection of urine in a specific container. In recent years, inkjet tests are gaining more and more popularity. The essence of their use is as follows. You need to substitute the strip with the desired end under the stream of urine. In this case, it is not necessary to use the morning portion. The liquid is absorbed into the fiber tip and reacts with the coating. If you have pregnancy in the window, you will see the corresponding result.
Advantages of inkjet tests:
- the ability to use any portion of urine;
- no need to collect material in a container;
- the result is displayed in a special window that reliably protects the reagent.
Disadvantages of inkjet tests:
- relatively high cost (from 100 to 300 rubles);
- large packaging;
- distortion of the result after 10-20 minutes.
Electronic test
This pregnancy test, featuring weeks, has become the latest development in recent years. He is in great demand. However, not everyone buys it because of the high cost. The results of the pregnancy test in this case are stored up to one day and are not distorted. This is a definite plus.
A digital pregnancy test may show the correct result even before the expected delay in menstruation. The essence of using the device is as follows. You need to collect urine in a container and lower the indicated end of the text there. After that, close the cap and wait for the specified time. The average duration of the preparation of the result is 5-15 minutes.
Pros of the electronic test:
- accurate result;
- the possibility of using the device before the delay of menstruation;
- long-term safety of the result;
- there is no need to peer into the strips, the result will be displayed on the scoreboard in the following form: “there is a pregnancy” or “there is no pregnancy”;
- indication of gestational age in weeks.
Cons of the digital test:
- large packaging;
- in a day the result will disappear;
- high cost (an average of 200 to 800 rubles).
How to choose a pregnancy test?
So you need the best pregnancy test. How to choose it and what you need to pay special attention to? There are several tacit parameters that you need to consider when buying a device.
Where could I buy?
To begin with, it is worth deciding on a point of sale. Currently, tests are sold at almost every step: in supermarkets, stalls, underpasses and so on. Give preference to pharmacy chains. They have all the documents allowing the sale of tests. Also in the pharmacy such devices are stored in the right conditions.
It is worth noting that pharmacies are different. Use the network you trust the most.
Consider test sensitivity
To begin with, ask yourself if a pregnancy test will show the right result on a particular day. Many women are in a hurry to diagnose and buy devices before the delay of menstruation.
All pregnancy tests have a certain sensitivity. So, you can find on the package a value of 10 IU. This suggests that the device determines the presence of chorionic gonadotropin in the urine at its minimum concentration. When you find a value of 25 IU, this means that the test determines pregnancy with a higher hormone content in the body. In addition, devices with a sensitivity of 15 and 20 IU are common.
If you intend to diagnose before the delay of menstruation, then it is worth giving preference to a sensitivity of 10 IU. When the expected day of menstruation has already passed, you can ignore this figure and choose any device.
Type of test
What type of device is better to choose? A paper, tablet, inkjet, or digital pregnancy test? If you already have a day of delay, then you can purchase any kind. Most likely, you will be given a reliable result. Except only when the test is defective or defective.
When you want to know about conception before the expected day of your period, you should give preference to an electronic device. It is worth noting that such a test will not only determine pregnancy, but also indicate your approximate date.
Also consider the convenience of diagnosis. If you conduct testing at home, then the device can be anything. For diagnosis in public places, it is better to give preference to the inkjet appearance.
Company or manufacturer
Currently, you can find the most diverse brands of pregnancy tests. The following are considered the most popular: "Evitest", "Frautest", "Clearblue", "Knownau" and others. Remember that when buying famous brands you will overpay for the brand. However, in this case, the probability of obtaining an accurate result increases.
It is worth noting that all of the above companies produce different types of devices. Among them, you can choose what suits you.
Packing Information
What should be the right pregnancy test? On the pack in which the device is located, all the necessary information should be stated. Pay attention to the date of manufacture and expiration date. Also, the package must contain certification information. In addition, the manufacturer must indicate the instructions for use and the sensitivity of the test.
Pack contents
Of course, no one will allow you to open it before purchasing a product. However, after the acquisition, you should find a special salt inside the pack that protects the contents from moisture. A detailed summary should also be attached. The test itself should be sealed in additional foam, which does not leak moisture. All these conditions indicate that the device is really high-quality and correctly selected.
During testing
How during diagnosis to determine that the test is selected correctly? When you conduct the study, you will see a control line before receiving the result. She says that the device is really high quality and was used correctly. The only exceptions are digital tests. They do not give out lines, but already show the final result on the scoreboard.
Summarizing
So, now you know what good pregnancy tests are and what are their advantages. Remember that for a reliable diagnosis, the study should be repeated after 24-48 hours. Sometimes the result can be false positive or false negative. The second option is more common.
If you get a positive test result, then you should consult a doctor to further determine the fate of pregnancy. I wish you success and good, expected results!