The outcome of a home pregnancy test kit can change lives in an instant, so when you’re testing to find out if you’ve conceived, you need clarity and confidence in the result. A positive pregnancy test will display two lines, so if an unexpected second line, such as an evaporation line, appears, it can be confusing and even distressing if you misinterpret it.
In this article we’ll explain what an evaporation line is and how to reduce the chance of misinterpreting the pregnancy test result.
What Is An Evaporation Line On A Pregnancy Test?
An evaporation line on a pregnancy test is a faint, often colourless, second line that can appear on the test strip after the recommended reading time has passed. It is caused by the moisture evaporating from the test area, leaving a residue or mark on the strip.
Evaporation lines can be misleading as they might resemble a positive result, but they are not a reliable indicator of pregnancy.
How To Distinguish Between A Positive Second Line And An Evaporation Line
Given the strength of the emotions that are invested when carrying out home pregnancy tests, it is understandable that misinterpreting an evaporation line could cause immense distress once the mistake is recognised. So, what steps can you take to avoid this situation?
Follow The Instructions
The most important rule when interpreting a pregnancy test is to meticulously observe the manufacturer’s instructions. In particular, read the test within the stated time as, beyond this point, it may no longer be accurate. This is because evaporation lines tend to manifest after the recommended reading time, usually within 10 minutes. A genuine positive line should appear more quickly within the specified timeframe.
Check The Colour Of The Line
A genuine positive line has a distinct colour, even if faint, indicating pregnancy. This is because it measures human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a chemical found in embryonic tissue, so even a minimal amount in the test sample will often return a positive, albeit fainter, result. In contrast, an evaporation line usually lacks colour or has a greyish hue.
Assess The Thickness Of The Line
Genuine positive lines on home pregnancy tests tend to have a solid and clear consistency, representing the presence of the pregnancy hormone hCG. Evaporation lines, however, may appear thin, wavy, or incomplete, lacking the solidity that is associated with a true positive.
Consider The Position Of The Line
Another crucial factor in distinguishing evaporation lines from positive pregnancy lines is their position within the test stick. Evaporation lines might appear outside the designated test area, unlike genuine positive lines that emerge within the test area outlined by the manufacturer in the instructions.
Navigating the nuances of a pregnancy test can be daunting, but understanding how evaporation lines may differ in appearance minimises the risk of making an upsetting mistake. When in doubt, it is advisable to confirm results with subsequent tests or to seek advice from a healthcare professional to override uncertainties and ensure accurate interpretations.
Need Certainty From Your Pregnancy Home Test Kits? Contact Us Today.
Our SureSign pregnancy tests offer 99 per cent accuracy in less than three minutes, giving you certainty about the outcome. For more information, please get in touch today on 02825 685385
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