 |
 |
|
|
|
|
DESCRIPTION
Home pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is present in the urine and blood (serum) of a pregnant woman. These tests are simple to use and almost 100 percent effective if done correctly. HCG is produced by the placenta in increasing amounts 10 days after fertilization. An absence of a menstrual period in a sexually active female is usually the first reason a pregnancy test is utilized. Other signs of pregnancy that occur include:
Morning sickness (nausea, vomiting, food and smell intolerance).
Frequent urination.
Tender, swollen breasts.
Darkening of the area (areola) around the nipples.
Food cravings.
Blue and pink lines under the skin on the breasts and later on the abdomen.
TYPES OF TESTS
There are a variety of home pregnancy tests that are available without the need of a prescription. Some tests detect pregnancy as early as the first day of the missed period. They all use a urine (sometimes a serum) sample for the basis of the test and results are available in 1 to 30 minutes. These have been the two types I have used in the past.
EPT Home Pregnancy Test
Uses urine and the results are available in 3 minutes.
QuickVue hCG-Combo Pregnancy Tests
Uses urine (results available in 3 minutes)
& serum (results available in 5 minutes with greater sensitivity).
Compare Pregnancy tests
(the lower the mIUs, the better):
Affordable Pregnancy Tests: 20 mIUs hCG
Confirm 1-Step 25 mIUs hCG
One Step Be Sure 25 mIUs hCG
E.P.T. 40 mIUs hCG
Clearblue Easy 50 mIUs hCG
Generic: Rite-Aid, Target 50 mIUs hCG
Answer 100 mIUs hCG
Equate (Wal-Mart) 100 mIUs hCG
First Response 100 mIUs hCG
Precise 100 mIUs hCG
QTest 100 mIUs hCG
Store Brand: Walgreens 100 mIUs hCG
Pregnancy Test Ordering Information:
Affordable Pregnancy Tests: A good resource for various types of pregnancy tests at an affordable price. Also available: Ovulation Tests.
PREGNANCY TEST INSTRUCTIONS (For Affordable Pregnancy Tests)
Pregnancy Test Instructions
PREGNANCY (hCG) TESTS
TEST DESCRIPTION
One Step HCG Urine Pregnancy Tests are used for qualitative (visual) determination of hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in urine specimens for early detection of pregnancy. The tests are available in 3 different formats:1. STRIP
2. CASSETTE
3. MIDSTREAM
The format applications range from professional to domestic usage.
TEST PROCEDURE
STEP 1
Bring the test pouch to room temperature (18-30°C). To begin testing, open the sealed pouch by tearing along the notch. Remove the test from the pouch.
STEP 2 (TEST FORMATS)
STRIP TEST
Immerse the strip into the urine with the arrow end pointing towards the urine. Do not immerse past the "Max" line. Take the strip out after 3 seconds and lay the strip flat on a clean, dry, non-absorbent surface (e.g., mouth of the urine container).
Draw the urine sample into the provided pipette, and dispense 0.2ml (about 4 drops) into the round dropping well of the cassette.
Hold the round end of cover with one hand. Use the other hand to pull out the test device and expose the absorbent window.
Point the absorbent tip downward; place the absorbent tip in urine stream for at least 10 seconds to be thoroughly wet. Otherwise, you can collect your urine into a clean cup and dip half of the absorbent pad into the urine for at least 10 seconds. Re-cap the device and place it on the clean, flat surface.
STEP 3
Wait for colored bands to appear. Depending on the concentration of hCG in the test specimen, positive results may be observed in as short as 40 seconds. However, to confirm negative results, the complete reaction time (5 minutes) is required. Do not read results after 10 minutes.
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
Negative - Not Pregnant: Only one color band appears in the control region. No visible band on the test region is present since hCG concentration is not present in urine or too low for detection.
Positive - Pregnant: Distinct color bands appear on the control and test regions. The presence of both test and control lines indicate possible pregnancy. Color intensity of the test band may vary according to the concentration of hCG in urine. The higher the hCG concentration - the darker the intensity of the test line, hence higher the likelihood of pregnancy.
PRECAUTIONS
1. For single in vitro diagnostic use only - use test only once for urine screening.
2. Do not use test kit beyond expiry date.
3. Keep away from moisture, direct sunlight, and children.
USING TESTS WISELY
Check the expiration date. If the date is past, don't buy the product.
Follow package directions about storing the test at home.
Learn about the limitations of the test. Remember -- no test is 100% accurate.
Read the insert to learn how to use the test. Review the instructions so each step is fully understood.
Don't guess if something is unclear. Consult a pharmacist, a midwife or other health care provider or call an "800" number if one is listed in the instructions.
Note any special precautions before using the test.
Follow instructions exactly. Don't skip a step.
Note what to do if results are positive, negative or unclear.
Keep a record of the test results, the date and the brand name of the test to advise your midwife or health care provider if necessary.
Discard used materials as directed.
NEGATIVE RESULTS
If a pregnancy test is negative and the woman is still not menstruating, she should wait the number of days suggested in the instructions and test again -- making sure all instructions are followed correctly. If the second test is negative and there is still no menstrual period, she should consult a midwife or health care provider.
A false negative can occur with a home pregnancy test. The result indicates there is not pregnancy when in fact there is. Pregnant women don't always produce the hCG hormone at the same rate, so a woman could still be pregnant, but not yet producing enough of the hormone to obtain a positive test result. Also, the levels of the hormone needed to trigger the positive results vary from test to test. One of the problems of a false-negative result is that a woman might continue certain practices, such as smoking, excessive drinking or using some medications that are potentially harmful to the baby's health.
POSITIVE RESULTS
A positive result of a home pregnancy test does not replace the need to schedule an appointment with a midwife or health care provider. Confirmation of the pregnancy is determined with a physical examination that is combined with a complete prenatal checkup.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member has:
- A positive result from a home pregnancy test.
- A negative result from a first or second home pregnancy test and a menstrual period that is a week or more overdue.
MoonDragon's Conception Information
The Conception Kit™ - Contents & Use
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils A-B
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils F-L
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Blends & Resins
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Diffusers, Nebulizers, & Burners
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Kits
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
