Pregmate Pregnancy Test Instructions - How to Use & Read Results

Taking a Pregnancy Test

Finding out if you're pregnant can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking time. Pregnancy tests allow you to get an answer in the privacy of your own home. While each brand may have slightly different instructions, there are some general steps to follow when taking a pregnancy test to ensure accuracy.

How Pregnancy Tests Work

Today's pregnancy tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after implantation occurs. Urine pregnancy tests measure hCG levels through antibodies that bind to the hormone and generate a colored line on the test.

Most tests can detect hCG by the time your period is due. However, the earlier you take a test, the greater the chance of a false negative if hCG levels aren't yet high enough. It's best to wait until at least the first day of your expected period before testing.

Choosing a Pregnancy Test Brand

With so many pregnancy test brands on the market, it can be tricky to select one. Some of the top options include:

• First Response - known for early detection capability
• Clearblue - offers digital and manual options
• Pregmate - provides inexpensive test strips in bulk
• Equate - Walmart's affordable generic brand

Consider accuracy, early detection ability, price, format (digital, strips, midstream), and pack quantity when choosing a brand. Discuss your preferences with your doctor to determine the right test for your needs.

Pregmate Pregnancy Test Instructions

Pregmate is a popular pregnancy test strip brand available online and in some stores. Here are the step-by-step instructions for using Pregmate test strips correctly:

1. Check the Expiration Date

Pregmate strips come in sealed pouches. Before opening, check that the expiration date printed on the back hasn't passed. Using expired tests can lead to inaccurate results.

2. Collect a Urine Sample

Collect your urine in a clean, dry cup. Most experts recommend using first morning urine when hCG levels are highest. However, you can test any time of day. Avoid excessive fluids beforehand so urine isn't too diluted.

3. Remove the Test Strip

Remove the test strip from the sealed pouch and hold it by the thumb grip, being careful not to touch the absorbent tip. The arrow end goes into the urine stream.

4. Hold the Absorbent Tip in Urine

Hold just the absorbent tip in your urine stream for 5 seconds. This saturates the strip with enough urine to run the test. You can also hold the tip in collected urine for 15 seconds.

5. Lay the Strip Flat

Lay the test strip flat on a clean, dry surface with the results window facing up. Start a timer for the waiting period.

6. Wait for Results

Wait for colored lines to appear in the results window. Pregmate test results can be read in as little as 1-2 minutes for early detection. But wait the full 3-5 minutes for definite results.

7. Read and Interpret Results

A positive result is indicated by two colored lines - a control line and test line. A negative is a single control line. Even a faint test line counts as positive. No line at all means an invalid test.

8. Discard and Repeat if Needed

Discard used strips in the trash. If results are unclear or you want confirmation, repeat with a new test strip using a urine sample collected later in the day or the next morning.

Tips for Accurate Pregmate Results

While Pregmate is generally easy to use, here are some tips to avoid mistakes and ensure you get accurate results:

Follow Instructions Precisely

Using the test strip properly is vital. Read instructions thoroughly and follow them step-by-step. Pay close attention to immersed time in urine and wait times.

Check Expiration Dates

Don't use expired strips, as results lose reliability. Pregmate strips have a 2-year shelf life unopened and 6 months once opened. Write the open date on the pouch when you first open it.

Limit Fluid Intake Beforehand

Drinking too much liquid can dilute the hCG in your urine sample and potentially cause a false negative. Stick to normal fluids and avoid over-hydrating before testing.

Use Morning Urine

HCG levels are often highest first thing in the morning after nighttime concentration. So opt for first morning urine when possible for the most accurate results.

Don't Read Too Early

Allow the full reaction time before making your final call on the results. Early reads may not pick up faint positive lines that take time to develop.

Note Any Medications

Some fertility drugs containing hCG can lead to false positives. Record any current fertility meds and discuss results with your doctor.

Retest if Needed

If results are ambiguous, repeat with a new test strip using urine collected another time of day. You may get clearer results on a second test.

What Impacts Pregmate Accuracy?

Like any test, Pregmate accuracy can be affected by certain factors. Being aware of these can help you troubleshoot any unexpected test results.

Timing

Taking the test too early can cause false negatives if hCG hasn't reached detectable levels yet. Wait until at least the expected date of your period for peak accuracy.

Medications and Health Conditions

Fertility drugs with hCG, pituitary disorders, undiagnosed miscarriages, and ectopic pregnancies can all skew results. Notify your doctor about any relevant medications or health conditions.

Chemical Pregnancy

A chemical pregnancy is a very early miscarriage before anything shows on an ultrasound. If you get a positive followed later by your period, discuss the potential of a chemical pregnancy with your doctor.

Urine Concentration

Diluted urine from excess fluids can potentially lead to weaker positive lines or false negatives. Use morning urine or restrict fluids before testing.

Proper Storage

Heat, humidity, and direct sunlight can damage tests and skew results. Store Pregmate strips properly in a cool, dry place and avoid moisture or extreme temperatures.

Contamination

Tainted urine collection cups or unclean hands/surfaces can introduce contaminants that interfere with the test reaction and cause false results.

Pregmate vs. First Response

First Response and Pregmate are two top pregnancy test brands. Here's how they compare:

Sensitivity

First Response can detect lower hCG levels, as little as 6.5 mIU/mL hCG vs. Pregmate's 25 mIU/mL. So First Response identifies pregnancy sooner.

Early Detection

First Response claims reliable detection up to 6 days before a missed period vs. 5 days for Pregmate. However, both suggest waiting until the day of the expected period for definite results.

Formats

First Response offers manual strips plus digital and rapid detection formats. Pregmate only provides standard manual strips.

Price

Pregmate strips are very inexpensive when purchased in bulk online, costing less than $1 per strip. First Response tests cost significantly more - around $10-15 per test stick.

Accuracy

When used properly, both brands boast over 99% accuracy. First Response may have a slight edge in early detection, but both give reliable results for most users.

Choose First Response for early testing or digital convenience. Opt for value-priced Pregmate for confirmation closer to your missed period.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Once you get a positive pregnancy test result, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm results and start prenatal care. An exam and potential ultrasound can date the pregnancy and check for any concerns or complications.

Contact your doctor right away if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain and bleeding, which may indicate ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
• No period but negative tests, which can point to a medical issue like anovulation
• A positive test following a pregnancy loss

Notify your provider about any ambiguous, inconsistent, or concerning test findings so proper diagnostic steps can be taken.

The Takeaway

When used properly, Pregmate pregnancy test strips provide reliable results to detect the hCG hormone and uncover early pregnancy. Carefully follow all instructions, pay attention to timing, and repeat tests as needed. Comparison shop and select the right test format and brand for your needs and preferences.

Finding out you're expecting is an exciting time! With the convenience of at-home pregnancy testing, you can get answers in the privacy of your home when the time is right. Just be sure to use the test accurately and seek medical care to confirm any positive 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.