What Are Pregmate Pregnancy Test Strips?
Pregmate pregnancy test strips are inexpensive test strips designed to detect the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in urine. The test strip has an absorbent tip that you hold in your urine stream for 5 seconds. The tip soaks up urine and transports it to the result window.
If the urine contains enough hCG, a colored line will appear in the result window within 3-5 minutes. A positive result is indicated by two colored lines - a test line and a control line. The control line ensures the test is working properly. A negative result will only show the one control line.
Key Features of Pregmate Pregnancy Strips:
- Detect pregnancy 1-2 days before expected period
- Over 99% accuracy from day of missed period
- Results in 3-5 minutes
- Simple to use - just hold strip in urine stream
- Packs of 100 strips available for bulk buying
- CE and FDA approved
Are Pregmate Pregnancy Tests Accurate?
The big question is - how accurate are Pregmate pregnancy strips? The good news is Pregmate tests are highly accurate when used properly.
They use the same immunoassay technology and detect hCG levels at 25 mIU/ml, which is the level recommended by doctors. Once hCG levels in urine reach 25 mIU/ml, the Pregmate test will show a positive result.
According to Pregmate, their pregnancy strips are over 99% accurate at detecting pregnancy from the day of your expected period onwards. However, they can also give accurate results earlier than this.
Pregmate Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a pregnancy test refers to how early it can detect lower levels of hCG. Pregmate test strip sensitivity is 25 mIU/ml. This means it will show positive around 4-5 days before a missed period.
However, there is still a chance of inaccurate results at this early stage since hCG levels can fluctuate. It's recommended to take another test a few days later if an early test is negative but pregnancy is still suspected.
How Accurate are Pregmate pregnancy tests?
Many factors affect the accuracy of a pregnancy test, including:
- Taking the test too early - hCG may not be high enough yet
- Using the test incorrectly - not enough urine or exposure time
- Expired tests - test components degrade over time
- Diluted urine - drinking lots of fluids before testing
- Medical conditions - like PCOS or hCG-based medication
Testing too early is the main reason for inaccurate results. For the most reliable results, take a Pregmate test at least a day after your missed period when hCG levels are higher.
When used properly, Pregmate tests are over 99% accurate at detecting pregnancy from the day of your expected period onwards. The strips give clear, easy-to-read results you can trust.
How To Use Pregmate Pregnancy Test Strips
Using Pregmate pregnancy strips is a straightforward process:
- Open the sealed pouch and remove the test strip.
- Hold the absorbent tip pointing downwards in your urine stream for 5 seconds. Alternatively, you can collect urine in a clean cup and immerse just the tip for 15 seconds.
- Wait for the urine to soak into the tip and start traveling up the strip.
- Lay the test stick flat on a clean, dry surface.
- Start a timer for 3-5 minutes.
- Wait for the colored lines to appear. Do not read results after 10 minutes.
For the most accurate results:
- Use first morning urine which has the highest hCG concentration.
- Read the instructions carefully and follow them.
- Check the test strips are not expired.
- Avoid drinking lots of liquid right before taking the test.
How to Interpret Pregmate Pregnancy Test Results
1. Positive: Two distinct colored lines appear - a test line and control line. Even a faint test line counts as a positive. Any visible test line means pregnancy hormones were detected.
2. Negative: Only a single control line shows up. No test line means pregnancy hormones were not detected.
3. Invalid: If no lines show up at all, the test is faulty. Re-take the test with a new strip.
Always check the package insert too for example results images so you know what to look out for.
Early Detection Pregnancy Tests
Many women want to test for pregnancy as early as possible. While Pregmate test strips can detect low hCG levels, some tests are even more sensitive for extra early testing.
Tests like First Response Early Result can detect 6 days before a missed period, while Clearblue Early Detection needs just 9 days after conception. However, these tests are more expensive.
For an affordable option that's still highly sensitive, many women use Pregmate strips to test early then confirm with a digital test like Clearblue Digital for peace of mind.
Pregmate hCG Sensitivity Levels:
- 25 mIU/ml - Standard sensitivity. Detects pregnancy around 4-5 days before period.
- 10 mIU/ml - Early detection version also available to find pregnancy around 6 days sooner.
Are Pregmate Pregnancy Tests FDA Approved?
Yes, Pregmate pregnancy test strips are approved by both the FDA in the United States and CE marking in Europe. This means they have passed strict regulations and quality control standards for efficacy and safety.
The FDA requires all home pregnancy tests to be over 90% accurate based on extensive clinical testing. Only pregnancy tests that reliably detect hCG can be legally sold in stores.
You can look for the FDA and CE logos on Pregmate pregnancy strip packaging for confirmation of quality and regulatory approval.
Pregmate Strips vs First Response
First Response is one of the top-selling and most trusted pregnancy test brands. How do Pregmate strips compare?
Both Pregmate and First Response use the same technology to detect hCG and are highly accurate. However, there are some differences:
- Sensitivity: First Response can detect lower hCG at 6.3 mIU/ml vs 25 mIU/ml for standard Pregmate.
- Early Detection: First Response Early Result tests up to 6 days before a missed period vs 4-5 for standard Pregmate.
- Design: First Response has a curved ergonomic handle while Pregmate is a basic flat strip.
- Price: Pregmate strips cost a fraction of the price of First Response tests.
While First Response offers greater sensitivity for early testing, Pregmate has excellent accuracy from the day of your expected period onwards. Pregmate is ideal for cost savings, especially when buying multi-packs.
Pregmate vs Clearblue Pregnancy Tests
Clearblue is another pregnancy test giant. Here's how Pregmate stacks up against Clearblue tests:
- Digital Display: Clearblue offers digital displays while Pregmate is a manual line test.
- Early Detection: Clearblue Early Detection tests 6 days before a missed period vs 4-5 days for standard Pregmate.
- Weeks Indicator: Clearblue gives an estimation of weeks pregnant while Pregmate only indicates pregnant/not pregnant.
- Price: Pregmate strips are more budget-friendly than Clearblue tests.
Clearblue Digital gives the clearest yes/no answer and weeks estimation but costs more. Pregmate strips provide reliable results at a fraction of the price.
How Long Are Pregmate Pregnancy Tests Good For?
Pregmate pregnancy test strips have a 2 year shelf life from the manufactured date before expiration. The expiry date is printed on the back of the foil packet.
Storing them correctly helps maintain accuracy and extend shelf life:
- Keep in a dry place at a temperature between 4-30°C or 40-86°F.
- Avoid direct sunlight and humidity.
- Don't open the sealed packet until ready to use.
Old pregnancy tests lose sensitivity so it's not recommended to use expired strips even if lines appear. For accurate results, check the strips are still in date before testing.
Pregmate Coupons & Store Availability
Pregmate pregnancy strips are available from various retailers online and in select stores. Buying in bulk online tends to be most affordable.
Promotions and discounts can offer even better value on multi-packs. It's worth looking out for Pregmate coupons and coupon codes which can be applied at checkout for 10-20% off or dollars off the purchase price.
Some places you can buy Pregmate pregnancy strips include:
- Amazon
- eBay
- Walmart
- Target
- Walgreens
- CVS
Check manufacturer and seller ratings when buying online to avoid counterfeits. Buying directly from Pregmate's own Amazon store gives the greatest authenticity reassurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are two lines on a Pregmate test a positive result?
Yes, two lines - even faint lines - on a Pregmate strip means the test is positive. Any visible test line along with the control line indicates pregnancy hormones have been detected.
How early can I test with Pregmate?
You can test as early as 4-5 days before your expected period with standard Pregmate strips (25 mIU/ml sensitivity). However, testing earlier increases the chance of a false negative when hCG levels are still low.
Can any line at all be a positive on a Pregmate test?
Yes, even a very faint test line counts as a positive result as long as a control line is also present. However, very light lines that appear after the 3-5 minute window should be ignored as they can be caused by evaporation.
Why are two Pregmate lines different colors?
It's common for the test line to appear lighter than the control line initially. The shade intensity isn't important. As long as you can see two distinct lines of any color, the Pregmate test is positive.
Should I take a Pregmate test in the morning or night?
Morning urine tends to be the most concentrated, so taking a Pregmate strip with your first morning pee will give the most reliable results.
The Takeaway
When an accurate, affordable pregnancy test matters, Pregmate strips tick all boxes. The same technology used in expensive name brand tests, Pregmate detects pregnancy quickly and reliably from the day of your missed period onwards.
While not as sensitive as early detection tests, Pregmate still offers the ability to test several days before a missed period. When used properly, you can trust a positive or negative result.
Stock up on multi-packs of Pregmate strips for low cost pregnancy testing. Getting reliable answers has never been more budget friendly!
FAQs
How soon after a missed period can I take a Pregmate test?
You can take a Pregmate test as soon as the day after your expected period for the most accurate results. While it's possible to test a few days before, waiting until after your period is missed ensures your hCG levels are high enough.
Can I take a Pregmate strip apart or take it out of the casing?
No, you should never take a Pregmate test apart or remove it from its plastic casing. This can lead to inaccurate results by exposing the absorbent strip to air and contaminants.
Do Pregmate strips work for both urine and blood tests?
Pregmate is a urine-based pregnancy test only. You urinate directly onto the absorbent strip, which soaks up the urine sample. Pregmate does not work with blood samples.
How long do I have to wait to retest if I get a negative result?
If your first Pregmate strip is negative but you still think you may be pregnant, wait 2-3 days before retesting. This allows more time for hCG to rise to detectable levels in your system.
Should I avoid certain foods or medicines before taking a Pregmate test?
No, you do not need to avoid any particular foods or common medicines when taking a Pregmate test. As long as you follow the directions, most substances will not affect the results.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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