Pregnancy Test Strips Instructions for Use

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TEST PROCEDURE

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Best time to collect urine: You can test with any urine sample. First-morning urine is recommended early on because it has the highest concentration of the pregnancy hormone (hCG).

When to read the result: Read once at 5 minutes. Do not interpret the test before 5 minutes or after 5 minutes. Discard the test after reading to avoid confusion.

Using and Timing

How early can I test?
You may test up to 5 days before your missed period (that is, 4 days before the day you expect your period). Because hCG levels vary by person and can be low early on, an early negative does not rule out pregnancy. If you test early and get a Negative, wait 48 hours and test again.

When during the day should I test?

Early testing: Use first-morning urine if possible.

After your period is late: Time of day matters less, but avoid excessive fluid intake beforehand—diluted urine can cause a false negative.

I have irregular cycles. When should I test?
If your period timing is uncertain, test at least 19 days after the last time you had unprotected sex. If Negative and no period one week later, test again or speak with your healthcare provider.

Understanding Your Results

What does a Positive (Pregnant) result mean?
A colored line in the test area within 5 minutes—no matter how faint—means hCG was detected and the test is Positive. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss next steps. Note: It is possible to get a positive result and later find out you are no longer pregnant (early pregnancy loss).

What does a Negative (Not Pregnant) result mean?
Either you are not pregnant or your hCG level is not yet high enough to detect. If you tested early, or your period still hasn’t started, test again in 48 hours. If you continue to get Negative results and your period is late, speak with your healthcare provider.

I saw a faint line—does that count?
Yes. Any line in the test area that appears by 5 minutes should be considered Positive, even if faint. Line darkness varies with urine concentration and stage of pregnancy.

The lines on different tests look different. Should I worry?
No. Variations in line color or thickness are common and do not affect the result. Do not use line darkness to judge how far along you are; the test is qualitative, not quantitative.

Pink background or streaking appeared—does that affect results?
No. Differences in urine chemistry and room humidity can cause a light pink background or vertical streaks. As long as the control line appears by 5 minutes, the test worked properly.

No control line appeared. What now?
If neither the control line nor the test line appears, the test did not run correctly. This usually happens when the strip was not dipped deep enough (below the MAX line) or was dipped too far (past the MAX line). To ensure accurate results, dip the strip only up to the MAX line for the full 5 seconds, then lay it flat on a clean, dry surface. If no lines appear after following these steps, repeat the test with a new strip.

Can I interpret the test after more than 5 minutes?
No. Read once at 5 minutes. A negative test can develop lines after the read time (evaporation/indents), which are not valid results.

Accuracy, Sensitivity & How the Test Works

How accurate is the test?
When used as directed from the day of your expected period, home urine pregnancy tests are over 99% accurate at detecting pregnancy hormone in laboratory studies.

What hormone does the test detect and at what level?
The test detects hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in urine. Analytical sensitivity: 25 mIU/mL.
Plain language: once hCG in urine reaches about 25 mIU/mL, the test can typically detect it.

Why retest after 48 hours?
In early pregnancy, hCG usually rises every 48–72 hours. Waiting two days can turn an early negative into a positive if you are pregnant.

Medications, Medical Conditions & Other Factors

Which medications can affect results?

Can affect results (may cause a false positive): Medicines that contain hCG, such as some fertility “trigger shots” (e.g., Pregnyl®, Profasi®). If you used an hCG trigger, your clinic may advise waiting 10–14 days before home testing.

Do not affect results: Clomiphene citrate (Clomid®), common pain relievers, antibiotics, alcohol, and hormonal contraception (birth control pills, patches, rings), and emergency contraception (Plan B®).

Can medical conditions affect results?
A recent pregnancy (even if not carried to term) or certain rare medical conditions can cause detectable hCG and a Positive result. An ectopic pregnancy may produce lower hCG levels and lead to negatives early on—seek care urgently if you have severe one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder pain, dizziness/fainting, or heavy bleeding.

Do UTIs or blood in urine affect results?
A UTI typically does not affect hCG detection. Visible blood or extreme urine dilution can make results harder to read—repeat with a fresh sample if needed.

Early Pregnancy Loss & Conflicting Results

I had a Positive result and later tested Negative, or my period started. What does that mean?
This may indicate early pregnancy loss (chemical pregnancy), which is sadly common (about 1 in 4 known pregnancies). Most people go on to have healthy pregnancies afterward. If this happens to you, consider speaking with your healthcare provider.

Practical Tips & Troubleshooting

For the most reliable result: Test on the day your period is due or later. If testing earlier, use first-morning urine and avoid excess fluids beforehand.

One test = one use: Do not reuse tests. Open the pouch only when you’re ready and use immediately.

Storage & expiration: Store at room temperature (see package for exact range). Do not use after the expiration date or if the pouch is damaged.

Disposal: After reading at 5 minutes, discard the test in household trash. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Added FAQs We’re Often Asked

Will birth control or Plan B® cause a false positive?
No. They do not contain hCG.

Can dehydration or over-hydration change results?
Yes. Very dilute urine can lead to false negatives. Overly concentrated urine can intensify line color. Aim for a normal sample; first-morning urine is ideal when testing early.

Can I test while spotting or bleeding?
Yes, but heavy bleeding can make reading difficult. If unsure, retest in 48 hours with a clean sample.

Should I “track line progression”?
No. Line darkness is influenced by dye and urine concentration. If you have concerns about pregnancy progression, consult your healthcare provider for appropriate testing.

I’m undergoing IVF/IUI—anything special?
Because fertility treatments sometimes include hCG injections, follow your clinic’s guidance on when to test to avoid a medication-related false positive.

About the Product

How does the PREGMATE test work?
The strip contains antibodies that bind to hCG. If hCG is present at or above 25 mIU/mL, a test line appears alongside the control line within 5 minutes.

What if I need help reading a result?
Take a clear photo at 5 minutes under good light and contact our support team below.

Need Help?

Email: mail@pregmate.com

We’re happy to help with product questions or concerns.

Important Reminder

This FAQ is for general information and does not replace medical advice. If you have symptoms of pregnancy complications or any concerns about your results, contact a healthcare professional.

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