Pregmate Pregnancy Test Strips - Accuracy, Reviews, and How to Use

What are Pregmate Pregnancy Tests?

Pregmate produces pregnancy test strips that allow you to take an at-home urine test to determine if you are pregnant. The tests work by detecting the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone produced by the body during pregnancy, in your urine.

Pregmate tests come in strips of 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 tests packaged in a plastic pouch. The strips feature an absorbent testing pad on one end and a plastic cap with the Pregmate brand name on the other end.

How Pregmate Pregnancy Tests Work

To use a Pregmate pregnancy test strip, you simply:

1. Urinate on the absorbent pad at the end of the test strip or collect urine in a clean cup and dip just the absorbent pad in the urine for 15 seconds.
2. Place the strip on a flat surface, replace the plastic cap, and wait for the strip to wick the urine up to the result window.
3. Read your result in 3-5 minutes when the control and test lines appear.

If one pink line appears, the test is negative and you are likely not pregnant. If two pink lines show up, the test is positive and indicates pregnancy.

Testing Any Time of Day

Unlike other tests, Pregmate strips can be used any time of day without having to use first morning urine. However, the strips are very sensitive so it's best to avoid drinking large quantities of liquid before testing for optimal results.

No Digital Interpretation

One downside of Pregmate strips is they provide a manual line result instead of a clear digital Pregnant or Not Pregnant. However, the lines are usually distinct enough for accurate interpretation.

Are Pregmate Pregnancy Tests Accurate?

Pregmate advertises their pregnancy tests as 99% accurate when used correctly. The strips detect hCG levels as low as 25 mIU/mL urine which is comparable to top digital brands. However, the accuracy depends on several factors.

Proper Use is Key

Like any test, Pregmate is most accurate when the test is used properly following the instructions. Mistakes like reading the strip too early/late, not collecting enough urine, or dipping the strip too long can affect accuracy.

Level of hCG Hormone

The tests can only detect hCG if the hormone is present at detectable levels in the urine. Very early in pregnancy, hCG may not be high enough yet for the strip to register positive. Testing again in a few days will improve accuracy if early testing is negative.

Evaluating Faint Lines

If a faint second line appears, it can be tricky to interpret. Faint lines often mean lower hCG levels indicating very early pregnancy. But faint lines can also be evaporation lines or errors. Re-testing with morning urine in a day or two can provide clarity on faint results.

Possible Evaporation Lines

Evaporation lines that form as the urine dries can be mistaken for a positive result if read too late after the suggested 3-5 minute window. Always check strips within the recommended time frame.

Diluted Urine

Drinking lots of water before taking the test or using mid-day urine that's more diluted can make tests less accurate if hCG levels are not concentrated enough to register.

Pregmate Reviews

Most customer feedback indicates Pregmate pregnancy strips perform reliably for early and accurate detection. Positive reviews focus on:

• Clear, easy to read results
• Detects pregnancy several days before missed period
• Simple and fast to use
• Affordably priced in bulk packs
• Strips can be used early with low hCG levels

Negative critiques cite issues like:

• Faint lines and evaporation lines hard to interpret
• More prone to false negatives/positives than digital tests
• No digital display confirming results
• Packaging allows strips to get wet and compromise accuracy

Pregmate vs. First Response

First Response is one of the top-selling digital pregnancy test brands. Here's how Pregmate and First Response compare:

• Sensitivity: Pregmate detects hCG at 25 mIU/mL which is equal to First Response.
• Accuracy: Both tests boast 99% accuracy when used properly.
• Early detection: Both Pregmate and First Response can get positive results ~5 days before expected period.
• Format: First Response offers digital and manual options while Pregmate is manual strips.
• Price: Pregmate strips are significantly cheaper, especially when bought in bulk packages.

Pros and Cons of Pregmate

Pregmate pregnancy test strips offer many upsides but also some potential drawbacks to consider:

Pros:

• Low cost for bulk strips
• Detects pregnancy before missed period
• Easy to use and interpret
• Can be taken any time of day
• Greater accuracy when used correctly
• Purchase individually or in packs

Cons:

• No digital confirmation of Pregnant result
• Faint lines can be confusing
• Higher chance of user error
• Evaporation lines mistaken for positive
• Requires accurate timing for best results

Tips for Best Results

Follow these tips when using Pregmate test strips to help ensure accurate results:

• Read all instructions thoroughly before testing
• Test first thing in the morning using concentrated urine
• Collect urine in a clean cup versus directly on strip if preferred
• Dip just the absorbent strip end in urine for full 15 seconds
• Lay strip flat and wait full 3-5 minutes before reading result
• Disregard any lines appearing after the 3-5 minute window
• Retest with a new strip if your result is unclear or faint
• Confirm positive results by testing again in a couple of days

Pregmate Strips for Early Detection

Pregmate advertises the ability to detect the pregnancy hormone up to 6 days sooner than a missed period. However, levels can vary greatly in early pregnancy. Here are some guidelines:

1-2 weeks pregnant

It's very unlikely to get a positive result 1-2 weeks after conception. At this point, hCG is just starting to build up.

3 weeks pregnant

HCG levels range from 5-50 mIU/mL 3 weeks into pregnancy. Pregmate may detect hCG on the higher end of this range, but levels are often still too low this early.

4 weeks pregnant

By 18-20 DPO, hCG ranges from 40 - 300 mIU/mL, so Pregmate results will usually be accurate at this point if pregnancy occurred. Test first thing in the morning for best results.

While Pregmate can sometimes detect very early pregnancy, testing too soon can lead to false negatives. Wait until at least the day of your expected period for best accuracy if trying to test early.

Pregmate to Confirm Pregnancy

After getting a positive home pregnancy test, doctors will follow up with a blood test and ultrasound around 6-8 weeks to officially confirm pregnancy. An ultrasound will show:

• Gestational sac around 5 weeks
• Heartbeat around 6-7 weeks
• Fetal poles and movement starting 8 weeks

Doctors can also track hCG levels through repeat blood tests to ensure they are rising normally in early pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pregmate tests quantitative or qualitative?

Pregmate pregnancy test strips are qualitative tests, meaning they simply detect whether or not hCG is present above the minimum threshold. They do not quantify the exact amount of hCG like blood tests.

How soon after missed period are they accurate?

Pregmate tests are 97-99% accurate the day of or after a missed period when used properly. Testing several days after a missed period improves accuracy but they can work prior to missing a period in some cases when hCG levels are elevated.

Can Pregmate detect ectopic pregnancy?

Yes, Pregmate will be positive if hCG is present from an ectopic pregnancy. However, it can't distinguish a normal uterine pregnancy from ectopic implantation.

Are blue dye tests less reliable?

Yes, pregnancy tests that use blue dye are more prone to false positives and faint lines. Pregmate uses pink dye which is preferred for clarity and accuracy interpreting results.

The Takeaway on Pregmate Pregnancy Tests

Pregmate provides a cost effective way to test for pregnancy early and accurately using test strips that are comparable to pricier digital and name brand tests. Following instructions precisely and understanding the limitations for very early testing can give the best results.

While not flawless, Pregmate strips offer reliable performance for a fraction of the cost of top brands. For women on a budget looking to routinely test or confirm a positive, Pregmate can be an excellent option.

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.