An expired pregnancy test showed 2 lines - could the result be correct?

Principle of operation

The tests involve a special reagent. It recognizes the presence of a specific hormone in the urine - Gonadotropinum chorionicum (HCG, human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG, hCG).

The active substance begins to be produced by the chorion (the outer membrane of the embryo) after the fertilized egg attaches to the body of the uterus. Implantation, on average, occurs 5-7 days from the moment of conception. Good patency of the fallopian tubes speeds up the process.

Initially, hCG appears in the bloodstream, and after 24 hours - in urine. The closer the time of the onset of critical days approaches, the higher the saturation of urine with the “sign” hormone. So a test 4 days before the delay may be positive if conception is successful.

will the test show pregnancy on the day of implantation?

I just thought maybe I’m not the only one who may have had implantation late and the tests are silent:

The principle of operation of the test to determine pregnancy is quite simple. Two lines in it are impregnated with a reagent: the control strip appears when liquid (urine) gets on it, and the test strip only if the liquid contains the pregnancy hormone - hCG (short for its full name - human chorionic gonadotropin). This specific hormone begins to be produced after the fertilization of the female egg and its implantation into the loose wall of the uterus. After its attachment, the hCG level begins to double in some people every 24, and in others every 36 or even 48 hours. And if you pay attention to the fact that the unborn baby, as a rule, is attached to the uterus somewhere in one, but maybe almost two weeks after the onset of ovulation (and fertilization), then it becomes clear why manufacturers of tests for early detection of pregnancy It is recommended to do them only after a delay. Attachment of the fertilized egg is possible from 3 to 13 days after conception occurs. That is why some women may have a positive test even a week before their period, while others still have one line after 3 days of delay. This explains why there is no clear answer to the question: “How long after a possible pregnancy can you find out about it?” To determine how many days after it is worth starting to diagnose pregnancy, let's do a little math. Let’s assume that at the time of implantation of the fertilized egg, the hCG level is 2mUl, and its doubling occurs every day. Having made simple calculations, we get: 2nd day after implementation - 4 mUl, 3rd day - 8, 4th - 16 and only on the 5th level of hCG will increase to 32 mUl. Please note that this calculation is quite approximate; each woman’s body secretes the specific pregnancy hormone differently. For some, hCG may double not every 24 hours, but every 36 or 48 hours. Almost any pregnancy test will show a second line only if the level of hCG in the urine is more than 25 mUl. That is, you can find out about pregnancy using a test strip five days after the attachment of an egg fertilized by sperm to the uterus. Now imagine a situation in which implantation occurred only 11, or maybe all 12 days after ovulation. In this case, a positive test result will be no earlier than two weeks after the moment of conception. And given that ovulation occurs in the middle of the cycle, 14 days before the expected date of menstruation, it turns out that it is possible to determine whether pregnancy has occurred only on the first day of the delay. Don't be upset if, after doing the test, you see one bright and a second rather faded stripe. If the test line is clearly visible, just pale, then there is undoubtedly a pregnancy. This situation only indicates that the amount of hormone in the urine is not yet large enough. You may have taken the test too early, or you may simply be drinking a lot of fluids. In this case, the concentration of the hormone in the urine will be small. For the most accurate results, manufacturers recommend testing the first morning urine. It is believed that the amount of the hormone reaches its maximum amount at this time. If you do not have the opportunity to do a test using the first urine, or simply do not have the patience to wait until the morning, then you can try to do the test at any time. Just try to avoid going to the toilet for a few hours. But this rule must be followed only if you want to try to diagnose pregnancy before the delay or during the expected period. Of course, if you take a test three weeks after conception, the result will not raise any doubts. By this time, the hCG level will have increased so much that the stripes will be equally bright and distinct at any time of the day. Please note that during a multiple pregnancy, the level of the hormone will be significantly higher, which will allow an earlier pregnancy to be diagnosed.

Types of analyzers

Highly sensitive early diagnostic tools with a susceptibility threshold (the amount of hCG in 1 ml of urine) from 10 mIU/ml (millies per milliliter) catch the “interesting situation” as early as possible.

Often, indicators are indicated on packages in very small print, making them difficult to read. Finding them out is extremely important. They determine the sensitivity of the system.

Depending on the type of system, the results are shown in clear stripes or digital data on the display.

Modern medicine - both domestic and foreign - suggests using the following devices:

Digital (electronic) - ClearBlue, ClearBlue digital, etc. They are placed under a stream of urine. The received data is displayed in a special window. Such analyzers can be used repeatedly. Additionally, the gestational age (in weeks) is determined. Cost from 350 rub.
Strip tests (in the form of special narrow strips of paper) - Frautest (Frautest) Express, Frautest Planning, Lady Test, etc. They are lowered into a container with urine. The most common and accessible method. Cost from 60 rub.
Tablet (The strip is fixed in a plastic case with a window) - Evitest (Evitest) Proof, etc. 2-3 drops of urine are dripped into the hole. Cost from 150 rub. Evitest 4 days before your period is considered quite effective.
Jet (does not require urine collection) - Premium Diagnostics (Premium Diagnostics), etc. They are considered the most sensitive. Testing is done while urinating. Cost from 200 rub.

The choice of test depends on personal preferences, delay periods (explicit or planned), and financial capabilities. Women often have their own “favorites”.

test before delay is positive

Girls, hello everyone! I'm new here. We’ve been planning a second child for three years now, well, as we plan, we just don’t take precautions, but nothing works out. I won’t say that I’m fixated on pregnancy, and, of course, I don’t have depression about this :)) But I really want a second child, which is why the current situation has become quite stressful. And I decided to take this matter seriously in 2020.

The cycle is good, everything is always on time, no pain, I felt ovulation, determined it by discharge and tests. But nothing! I had my first cesarean section, blood 1 was negative. The husband is the same. There have never been any abortions or miscarriages. There were no problems with my first pregnancy, although once I lay in bed for 2 weeks due to the tone of the uterus.

And then OH MIRACLE! 01/29/17 two bars, delay, basal does not drop. And everything seems to be fine. But a week later (02/04/17) pink discharge begins, I go to the emergency room, they give me a test, and it is practically negative - a barely noticeable second line. But the basal level was 37.2 so far. They sent me home, they said it was most likely ectopic. On the trail. The same discharge continues throughout the day, but there is no blood. Simply pink. I'm going to the gynecologist on Monday to have an ultrasound of the endometrial layer, 11.8 mm. good, as G said, for attaching the egg. And then on 02/06 I started having full periods, BUT without pain, nothing came out of me, one day passed, the next one. anointed and it was all over...

Almost a month has passed. What it was, I still didn’t understand. Apparently implantation did not occur. But why???

The tests are normal, according to the ultrasound everything is fine, everything is of the correct shape and size. There are no bends or formations. The cycle is clear. What's my problem???

PS My husband took a spermogram, maybe there’s something wrong with it, help me figure it out. I am writing the results:

V - 1 ml. (a little, I know, but it’s not always like that. Usually more, why so little came out on the day of analysis - I don’t know), slightly turbid, viscosity 1.0 cm, PH 8.5, α - 3-5, quantity - 19.0 x 10 to the 6th degree (19 million is not enough, as I understand it), normal morphology 78%, head pathology 4%, cervical pathology 18%, mobility 79%, posture. — 29%, active 31%, pendulum. — 19%, immobile 21% Conclusion: oligospermia, oligozoospermia 1st degree (few sperm per 1 ml and small sperm volume)

Is this a very bad result? I checked on the internet, it seems like you can get pregnant with this without any problems. Mobility seems to be normal, morphology is also good.

Please share your experience.

Which test system is the most reliable?

When choosing an analyzer, pay attention to the level of sensitivity - it is indicated in the range of 10-30 mIU/ml. The device's susceptibility is higher, the lower the number. A highly sensitive device will be able to “catch” successful conception even with a low concentration of HCG in the urine.

Doctors recommend using:

analyzers with a sensitivity of 10-15 mIU/ml 4 days before the probable onset of regulation;
analyzers with a susceptibility of 25 mIU/ml 1-2 days before the likely start of regulation.

Digital and inkjet analyzers are more accurate. The third tests are attractive due to their stylish design, comfort, and hygiene.

The accuracy of the test 4 days before the delay is about 50%, two days later the reliability of the indicators increases to 80%.

How pregnancy tests work

Despite the variety of pharmacy tests, they all have the same operating principle. Strip strips, inkjet devices, cassettes and electronic devices react to the content of human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine. This hormone begins to be produced immediately after implantation of the embryo into the endometrium of the uterus. Implantation occurs 7–8 days after conception, but during this period the concentration of the hormone is still too low, so gynecologists recommend checking 2–3 days after the delay.

A marker is applied to the sensitive tip, which detects the presence of hCG in the urine. If the hormone is present, then a second line appears next to the control line on the test. Different devices have different susceptibility to hCG concentrations. The most reliable are digital devices that can be used even before the delay.

Is it possible to use ovulation systems?

The pharmacy chain offers a wide range of ovulation analyzers. Doctors recommend using tests designed for this purpose to diagnose pregnancy. Ovulation analyzer systems use a reagent that is sensitive to another hormone - LH (luteinizing hormone).

Some ovulation devices have additional strips with an indicator substance that detect hCG. For example, such modern analyzers include the MIAPlan Set.

The markings ensure that the strips are not mixed up: LG is used for ovulation tests, HHG is used to determine pregnancy.

How to achieve the most accurate result

If the test is negative 4 days before your period, this does not mean that there is no pregnancy. The result may not be accurate. What needs to be done to ensure that the data obtained is as accurate as possible?

Strictly follow the instructions that come with each analyzer. Please adhere to the following general guidelines.

Use morning urine for testing. It is more concentrated, which means the hCG content in it is higher.
If you plan to do the procedure during the day, do not increase your fluid intake: the urine is diluted and the concentration of the hormone in it decreases.
Do not use analyzers that are past their expiration date.

What your test will show 4 days before your period (delay) directly depends on following these recommendations.

Types of tests that determine pregnancy before delay

At the pharmacy you can purchase various tests for home pregnancy determination. The most popular among women are test strips (strip tests). They belong to the first generation of pregnancy tests and have the lowest price.

A strip strip (impregnated with a reagent containing hCG antibodies) is lowered to a certain level into a container with urine (necessarily morning urine). After 10-20 seconds, it is taken out and placed on a horizontal surface. A few minutes - and the result is ready. One red stripe means there is no pregnancy, two red stripes mean there is a high probability of pregnancy.

Among the test strips, the most sensitive is the ULTRA pre-delay pregnancy test. With its help, you can detect pregnancy already on the seventh day after conception, that is, 5-7 days before the expected start date of menstruation. The sensitivity of this test is 10 mIU/ml, with an accuracy of 95-99%.

The disadvantage of strip tests is that for analysis, urine must be collected in a container; morning urine must be used. In addition, the result may be incorrect if you underexpose or overexpose the strip to urine.

More convenient, but also more expensive, are test cassettes (plate tests). Essentially, this is the same strip strip, but located in a plastic tablet. There are two windows on the front side of this tablet. Using the pipette included in the test kit, you need to drop urine into the first window. Within a few minutes, the result will be visible in the second (control) window.

One of the most sensitive tablet tests for pregnancy before a delay is called the SEZAM test. With its help, you can determine the presence of pregnancy within 7 days after embryo implantation. The sensitivity of this test is 10 mIU/ml; the advantage of its use is that urine can be taken for analysis at any time of the day.

The most modern tests include inkjet tests. To confirm an interesting position, you need to place the receiving end of such a test under a stream of urine, then wait a few minutes. If one line appears, there is no pregnancy; if there are two, there is a high probability of pregnancy.

Of inkjet models, the DUET test will show pregnancy before the delay. Due to its high sensitivity (20 mIU/ml), it is possible to determine the presence of pregnancy starting from 7-10 days after fertilization of the egg.

There are some advantages to inkjet tests. Firstly, such models are convenient to use, since there is no need to collect urine. Secondly, they can be used at any time of the day.

In addition to the above models, you can purchase electronic tests at the pharmacy. They are convenient because instead of stripes and crosses, they display inscriptions: if you are pregnant, you can see “pregnant”; if not, you can see “notpregnant”.

Why test results are not always reliable

Even if the instructions are followed, the result can be both false positive (FP) and false negative (LF).

Reasons for obtaining a drug result

A short period of time (1-1.5 months) that has passed after an abortion, miscarriage, or childbirth. The fact is that hCG is not removed from the body immediately.
Taking medications that contain hCG (Puregon, Horagon, Pregnil).
Use of systems that have expired.
The presence of tumor neoplasms (chorionic carcinoma, hydatidiform mole).
The development of oncological pathologies, in which hormones similar to hCG are produced.

LP result is less common, since β-hCG is produced in a woman’s body only during pregnancy.

Reasons for obtaining LO results

Often the reason is a simple rush, when testing is carried out too early: fertilization has already been successful, but the implantation process has not yet taken place.

An LO result is also possible if:

The level of hCG in the bloodstream drops (for example, when there is a threat of termination of pregnancy).
Before testing, the woman drinks plenty of fluids.
There are diseases: arterial hypertension, renal pathology.

After receiving a negative result, experts advise repeating the procedure after 2-4 days.

I found an interesting article about when tests show the second line.

I just thought maybe I’m not the only one who may have had implantation late and the tests are silent:

Determining pregnancy based on body signals

Not everyone trusts tests and looks for signs of pregnancy 4 days before their period. Tangible signs that fertilization has occurred may include pain in the lumbar region, tingling in the ovaries, and bloating.

Scanty, darkish vaginal discharge a week after ovulation is also a signal of a possible pregnancy. Minor bleeding or the release of a few brownish droplets occurs due to damage to the uterine mucosa during the implantation of the egg into the thickness of the endometrium.

Also among the first harbingers of a delicate condition:

A feeling of pain and heaviness in the mammary glands, the appearance of bluish streaks on them. If your lower abdomen is tight or your chest hurts 4 days before your period, then this can be both a sign of pregnancy and an approaching period.
Persistent feeling of fatigue, lethargy, weakness even after a long rest.
Decreased blood pressure levels.
Increased appetite, change in gastronomic preferences.
Frequent urge to urinate.

They “hint” at a special situation: short-term diarrhea, drowsiness, elevated temperatures, frequent mood swings, tearfulness, headache, irritability. A basal temperature of 37 4 days before menstruation, although a sign of pregnancy, can also be normal.