The TRUTH behind Evaporation Lines

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Image: www.wisegeek.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak

 
Being an avid TTC’er (Trying To Conceive) while going through your journey, I’m sure you’ve come across the word evap – which is short for (Evaporation Line) ⇦ which you can get a good look at some actual ones here ★ especially if you’ve joined any support groups. Posting good HPT (Home Pregnancy Test) Pics is ultimately an art form nonetheless and I’ve even created a tutorial on (How to post GOOD HPT Pics) if you ever opt to get a second opinion on the results!

Posting pics can be great, the only downfall is the opinions and advice that ultimately goes along with it. Reading and interpreting results is not as easy as you would think.

First of all, (regardless of what test you’re choosing to take) you have to make sure that you read the instructions carefully beforehand. Not every test is the same, and most errors occur from not doing so. Some tests allow you to hold the absorbent tip in your Urine stream, while other tests require you to collect your Urine in a clean, sanitary cup beforehand. Also, reaction times can differ as well. Most Tests however, specify a certain amount of time to read the results and to disregard the test after that allotted timeframe. When taking a test, a Control Line should appear indicating that the test has been done correctly, and a Test Line will only appear if the Pregnancy hormone HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is present inside of the Urine and has a high enough concentration for that specific test to pick up on as the hormone binds to the chemicals on the antibody strip – causing it to change colors. That would be considered a positive result and would mean that you are in fact pregnant! And Yes, even a very faint Line still means that there’s a presence of HCG in your system, even if it’s a very small amount. A faint Line should not be confused with an EVAP, (Evaporation Line) or an (Indent Line).

The problem is how so many people nowadays seem to misuse the word and throw it around without using it in it’s proper context, or by using the word without knowing it’s true meaning. Either way, I decided to once and for all clarify the term since there seems to be so much confusion behind it.

So, what is an Evap Line? And, how can you tell the difference? The true definition of an Evap sort of speaks for itself – it’s a Line that develops as the Urine evaporates off of the HPT. As the Urine dries, it can cause the antibody strip to appear slightly more visible, and in some cases can actually look like an indentation on the test itself. Most of the time they will appear shadowy, colorless or even grey. In some cases, they can however also develop a little bit of color. Although any Line that may look promising, (especially one with Blue or Pink) if it appears outside of the timeframe it should be considered invalid and disregarded. Since an Evap Line only occurs once the Urine has dried, it’s safe to say that any Line that appears within that allotted timeframe specified on the instructions would be considered a positive result no matter how faint the Line may be. If you’re strict on reading the test only within the timeframe per the manufacturer – the test should still be damp and no Evap Lines will have had time to produce. Most test instructions indicate that a test should not be read after the 3-10 minute time period.

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Image: www.pregnancyandbaby.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak


 
Sometimes after we specify to others a pic we posted was snapped within the recommended timeframe we still come across those that say, “It looks like an Evap to me.” So, what if a faint Line occurs within the timeframe?

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Image: www.pregnancyandbaby.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak


 
Again, more than likely that Evap Line your friend or co-worker thought they saw, really isn’t an Evap Line. Here’s a few examples of some actual Evaps I came across recently.

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Image: www.digitalmuze.net Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak


 
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Image: www.justmommies.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak


 
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Image: www.webanswers.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freaks


 
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Image: www.babybumpapp.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak


 
If it’s a very faint Line, I always highly recommend to take another test in a couple days to track your Line Progression. Every 48 hours during early Pregnancy HCG will double as it should and over the course of a few days – you should start to see your test Lines get a little darker each time you pee on that stick! Of course with that being said, different Tests have different sensitivities that require different concentrations of the HCG in your Urine to produce a positive result. I highly recommend using the same brand and sensitivity to track your progress until you’re levels are high enough to be detected reliably on any test.

ALSO, something I felt I should discuss is the infamous, “Water Trick.” What is that you ask? Well, apparently somewhere along the wonderful internet we came across some topic or forum somewhere – where someone had mentioned that a great way to distinguish the Evap Line from a True Positive Result is by conducting the water trick. You simply put a few drops of water in the same place you would drop Urine and it’ll run across the test cleaning up the icky yellowish dried Urine on the test. This theory states that if it’s an Evap – than the line will wash away leaving the area pristine white again whereas if the line contains dye – then its a true BFP (Big Fat Positive) because any line with color even outside of the time limit MUST be positive according to some. Sorry to say that unfortunately that’s NOT always the case. EVAPS CAN HAVE COLOR and sometimes they DO NOT wash away! Here’s an example of just that, that actually came out of my personal collection recently! The line was very pink, and when I tried the water trick – the line stayed intact. So that myth has been busted! Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. My best advice to you, is to toss the test outside once you’ve established it’s a negative result (within) the timeframe – and then proceed to run it over a few times! After that chunk it in a dumpster! Do whatever you have to do, but put the pee stick down and walk away. You can always retest later if you feel like you could still be pregnant!

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The next controversy we often encounter is the unwanted Indent Line, which is far too common and also can be misinterpreted as a positive result. More often than not, those usually appear outside of the timeframe – but not always! Occasionally they can appear within. But indent Lines unlike EVAP Lines, is simply the antibody strip. Indent Lines are usually completely colorless, or white when they appear within the timeframe. If you see an indent with color, or one with grey, than at that point it can then be considered an Evap if it appeared outside of the time limit. Here’s a few example those:

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Image: www.twoweekwait.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak


 
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Image: www.twoweekwait.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak


 
This however, is how you can distinguish the difference between an antibody strip or indent with the real deal below. The Line is Pink. It can be faint, but just Keep in mind the reagent in the dye binds to the chemicals on the antibody strip as the Urine passes over it when HCG is present. So a good rule of thumb, if it’s white or you need break the case open to see it, (which also makes the test invalid) than more than likely it’s not positive.

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Image: www.community.babycenter.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak


 
One of the main reasons for seeing a False Line, (although rare) – is due to a dye run. That happens when the dye doesn’t run across the test smoothly and can get stuck on certain parts of the test. Whenever that happens, Sometimes it can cause a Line to appear where a true one would have had HCG been detected in the Urine. Although it looks very promising to the naked eye, it’s not considered to be a true positive. It doesn’t mean you’re not pregnant, it just simply means the result is unreliable since it was faulty  and if you suspect that you could still be pregnant, than you need to do yourself a favor and retest. Here’s a good example:

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Image: www.community.babycenter.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak


 
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Then we have the famous, “Disappearing,” Line. Many of us get that confused with a true positive result. Although it, (again) seems promising, it’s not considered legitimate. This Sometimes happens when the dye is not fully finished running across the test. The dye can get stuck or may stall in the correct spot briefly, but then continues moving along. Per Most manufacturers – a true positive result will stay intact for at least 48 hours if not a whole lot longer! I definitely can vouch for that myself. I opted to save my Pregnancy Tests from both of my pregnancies (my son is now 4 and my daughter is 3) and every test Line to this day still remains as vivid as ever!

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Image: www.early-pregnancy-tests.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak


 
And lastly, I feel the need to discuss the odd and unusual, (but not unheard of) test Lines that appear in the wrong spots on our lovely little pee sticks. Yes it happens. Yes it’s more than one Line. Does it mean it’s positive? No. Most of the time it occurs because of a dye run, and Sometimes the test is just faulty. The results should be considered (again) invalid and if you suspect your pregnant you should of course retest.

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Image: www.gaia.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak


 
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Looks very odd, huh? And Yes it happens. But hopefully after reading this You’ll have a much better understanding of this and my goal more than anything else, was to hopefully reduce the phrase, “Evap,” from being so loosely thrown around as if any Line on any given test if faint enough or Maybe not even colorful enough in ones opinion – automatically means just that!

Moral of the story: Evap means that URINE actually EVAPORATED off of the test! And it also will ONLY appear outside of the time limit, so please use caution when using that term.

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How to Take a GOOD visible pic of your HPT

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Usually around the time of your missed period, you can take a HPT (Home Pregnancy Test) and get a reliable result. Some also opt to test early! Around 6-12dpo (Days Past Ovulation) implantation can occur, and a few days after that the HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) can metabolize enough in your Urine stream to then be detected on a HPT. If you’re actively TTC (Trying To Conceive) it can be a pretty exciting time, and you may want to get others opinions on whether or not they see a second Line, once you’ve tested. Many of us are a part of support groups and it’s fun to post pictures. The problem lies when the picture isn’t the best quality, and sometimes it can make it a bit difficult to interpret the results if you’re an outsider looking in. So I decided to make a little tutorial on how to take GOOD pics of your lovely pee sticks!

It’s always good for starters, to take a pic in good lighting! Most of us nowadays have good cell phones with camera’s – that even have a flash!

But – is it always best to use the flash? Simple answer, NO. If you’re using a midstream test that has a splash guard on it, (the clear plastic piece over the results window) the flash will more often than not reflect back and you won’t be able to see the results. Your best option is to turn the flash off. Sometimes though, that can cause another problem. Blurry pics! Here’s a pic that was taken with the flash on. Although it’s not Blurry, you still cannot see the results.

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Here’s a few examples of Blurry pics that will be very hard to interpret unless you have an unmistakable, very vivid, dark Test Line! Please try to refrain from posting these.

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There’s a very simple remedy for that issue! Maybe on your groups forums or posts you’ve noticed objects on or around their Tests and You’ve wondered why? Well – objects make the camera focus! Especially when you turn the flash off. It’s best to put a test in great lighting and an object next to it or even on it. Most with smart phones can even tap the screen to also help focus things. Here’s a few taken the right way! PLEASE (if you opt to post anything) only post pics that are good and visible otherwise it’ll defeat the purpose if you’re trying to get a second opinion.

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Now, I’m going to proceed to show you some other, “Picture Don’ts.” Here we have the ever so popular angled Tests. Unfortunately even in the best of lighting, it’s still very hard to see a second Line this way. Your best bet is to take the pic directly above the Tests!

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Love tweaking? What exactly is tweaking? Well, most of use different apps or graphics programs on our phones nowadays or even on our computers that can put different filters, enhance contrast, saturation, etc. On any pic of a HPT. The idea is to either pull some color on a line that is considered questionable, or to make a line a little more visible. Tweaking is great! The problem lies with over tweaking. And you can do that by using several different methods to try and enhance a test pic. Most don’t even realize though that when you over-tweak, you’re making it even harder to interpret. It can cause way too much pixilization with way too many colors, so if there was a chance to spot a line – there definitely won’t be afterwards. PLEASE, it’s better just to post the original and let the others do the tweaking!

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And of course the invert! If you are going to tweak, I would highly recommend to refrain from doing that. Inverts will make most ANY Line visible including (Indent Lines) and of course the dreadful (Evaporation Lines).

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If you look close enough at the inverted pic up above, you’ll see a Line. Looks promising, doesn’t it? Not so much. That’s an indent. So Yeah.

Even if you can’t test during the day when you’ll have the best lighting available – you can still make your pictures visible. Making sure the camera will focus correctly, and aiming directly right above the test is key!

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SUMMARY OF OUR WONDERFUL TUTORIAL HERE:

– Make sure you have good lighting! (Window seals are perfect for this type of thing)
– Make sure you turn your flash off
– Make sure you have an object on or near the test (to help the camera focus)
– Make sure you Take a pic directly up above the test, and as close to the results window as possible!

IN THE END (Regardless if it’s positive or Negative results) YOU WANT YOUR TEST PICS TO LOOK LIKE THIS!

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Nice, clean, bright and clearly visible! I hope this has helped you and we send Baby Dust to everyone in their TTC journey!

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The BEST Deals on Ovulation Tests and Pregnancy Tests

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If you’re actively TTC (Trying To Conceive) and especially for those of you who are (Charting) your fertility, (Basal Body Temperature, Cervical Mucus, Cervical Position and of course by also using Ovulation Predictor Kits in conjunction with those other primary fertility indicators) – You’re more than likely also wanting to test on or around the time of your expected period! And granted, if you’re an early tester it can get costly. HPT’s (Home Pregnancy Tests) come in all different forms such as Test Strips, Cassette Tests, Midstreams and even Digitals. Most of us are on a budget and I’ve made it my mission to find some of the absolute BEST DEALS that can make it way more affordable to Pee-On-That-Stick!

* PRODUCTS CAN BE PURCHASED OFF OF EBAY & AMAZON *

10miu HCG Test Strips:

Quantity: 30 Test Strips $6.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 20 Test Strips (with Free Collection Cups) $6.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 10 Test Strips $1.75 + Free Shipping

15miu HCG Test Strips:

Quantity: 50 Test Strips $6.99 + Free Shipping

25miu HCG Test Strips:

Quantity: 100 Test Strips $10.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 20 Test Strips $1.82 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 10 Test Strips $1.09 + $0.49 Shipping

Quantity: 10 Test Strips $0.99 + $0.59 Shipping

Quantity: 12 Test Strips $2.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 20 Test Strips $2.29 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 10/20/30 Test Strips $3.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 25 Test Strips $3.49 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 50 Test Strips $6.99 + Free Shipping

Midstream HCG Tests:

Quantity: 20 Midstream Tests (25miu) $11.80 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 5/10 Midstream Tests (25miu) $2.49 + Free Shipping

Cassette HCG Tests:

Quantity: 20 Cassette Tests (10miu) $7.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 50 Cassette Tests (25miu) $13.33 + $2.39 Shipping

Ovulation Test Strips:

Quantity: 100 MicroMall Test Strips (20miu) $15.90 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 40 Test Strips (25miu) $7.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 50 ClinicalGuard Test Strips (25miu) $9.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 10 Test Strips (25miu) $0.99 + $0.39 Shipping

Quantity: 10 LH Test Strips (15miu) $2.00 + Free Shipping

Combo Deals:

Quantity: 100 Blue Cross One Step LH / 20 HCG Test Strips (25miu) $20.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 50 LH / 20 HCG GetMore Test Strips (25miu) $8.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 60 LH / 30 HCG Test Strips (25miu) $13.69 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 50 LH / 20 HCG Strips $9.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 30 LH / 10 HCG Strips $5.99 + Free Shipping

Name Brand Pregnancy Tests:

Quantity: 3 First Response Early Results Midstream Tests (25miu but can detect 6.5miu) $12.95 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 8 Clearblue Digital Midstream Tests $21.50 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 9 E.P.T Midstream Tests (40miu) $25.00 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 6 E.P.T Midstream Tests (40miu) $7.50 + $2.50 Shipping

Quantity: 3 E.P.T Digital Tests (40miu) $7.49 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 6 Clearblue Plus Midstream Tests (25miu) $24.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 2 CVS Brand Digital Midstream Tests $9.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 3 CVS Brand Early Result Midstream Tests $4.99 + $1.93 Shipping

Quantity: 2 Answer Midstream Tests $7.77 + Free Shipping

DISCLAIMER: These may be limited time offers only! Prices and Shipping Fees are subject to change.

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How to take a Clearblue Easy Digital HPT

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With so many different HPT’s (Home Pregnancy Tests) on the market today, it’s Sometimes difficult to choose which one specifically might be best. There are different sensitivity levels, different types, and different ways to use them!

You can choose from a wide variety of Midstream Tests, Cassette Tests, Test Strips….. And of course with how our technology has now advanced, Digitals! The digital Tests work much the same way, but instead of two Lines that can be hard to interpret – it can tell you in words on a screen that says, “Yes,” “No,” “Pregnant,” and then there’s the dreadful, heartbreaking result, for  those of you actively TTC (Trying To Conceive), “Not Pregnant.” The Clearblue Easy even has a weeks estimator that can tell you how far along you are! Which by the way, I’ll be demonstrating the basics on how to use one of these with this clever brand.

It’s always best to use FMU (First Morning Urine) whenever testing for HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) the Pregnancy hormone produced and metabolized in our urine within a few days Following implantation, especially during early Pregnancy. Now I will say however if you’re opting to test early, a digital test usually requires a higher concentration of the hormone to yield a positive result. You may opt to try testing first with a slightly more sensitive test before using one of these that may need a concentration of up to 50miu. You can view (Home Pregnancy Test Brand Sensitivities) ⇦ THERE.

I normally opt to collect my Urine in a clean, sanitary cup rather than putting the wic in my Urine stream. One reason being – it can possibly create errors if Urine splashes on the test and also if you notice your Urine isn’t Concentrated enough you can dump it and try again later, so you don’t end up wasting a test! Diluted Urine can also yield a false Negative result if not enough HCG is present.

Once you Take the test out of the wrapper, it will then start to activate it. (Always Read the instructions carefully before taking a pregnancy Test to avoid any errors).

If you opt to put the tip into your urine stream, you’ll want to hold the screen facing downwards to avoid any splashing, while continuing to hold it in your Urine stream for 5 seconds.

If you collected urine in a clean cup, simply Dip it in there for 20 seconds. (Again, this only pertains to a Clearblue Easy Weeks Estimator – different Tests specify different amounts of time for this so read your instructions carefully).

Put the cap back on and lay it flat with the screen facing upward. You’ll notice that if done correctly the time clock on the screen will start flashing. It should Take about 3 mins for the test to reveal the results.

If pregnant, it can also take an additional 3 mins to reveal how many weeks you are!

For a more in-depth look you can view my instructional video on how to use a Clearblue Digital!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7aBA0Clr3A&w=560&h=315]

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(Digital) Home Pregnancy Tests

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I’m sure by now if you’ve started your TTC (Trying To Conceive) journey, you’ve started charting your BBT (Basal Body Temperature), CM (Cervical Mucus), and possibly even your CP (Cervical Position). Some even opt to Take OPK’s (Ovulation Predictor Kits) in conjunction, to verify whether or not you’re in your Fertile Window! Once Ovulation has taken place, you can usually get a reliable result on a HPT (Home Pregnancy Test) when you’ve missed a period. Most of us are familiar with the Pink and Blue Dye Tests, but sometimes it’s great to confirm those with a (Yes or No!) – I decided to put together a Gallery of actual, “Digital,” results that you can look at that display both Positive and Negative Tests, manufactured by different brands!

Do you have a Test you would like to submit? Email, Tweet, Post or DM them to us!

*PLEASE INCLUDE whether it’s a Positive, Negative, or Evap Line!

*ALSO – If you have submitted a Test and you notice it’s in the wrong category, PLEASE let us know so we can put it in the right category as soon as possible! Thanks

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(Evaporation Lines) Home Pregnancy Tests

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I’m sure by now if you’ve started your TTC (Trying To Conceive) journey, you’ve started charting your BBT (Basal Body Temperature), CM (Cervical Mucus), and possibly even your CP (Cervical Position). Some even opt to Take OPK’s (Ovulation Predictor Kits) in conjunction, to verify whether or not you’re in your Fertile Window! Once Ovulation has taken place, you can usually get a reliable result on a HPT (Home Pregnancy Test) when you’ve missed a period. But what does a true positive result look like? It’s highly recommended to read that result within the strict 10 minute window. If a line appears past that time frame, (regardless of color) it’s usually considered an evaporation line, (a line that appears once the urine has dried where a positive line would have appeared had HCG been detected!) which should be discarded. What does an evaporation line look like? I decided to put together a Gallery of actual, “Evaporation Line,” tests, that display both Pink Dye and Blue Dyes, manufactured by different brands!

 

Do you have a Test you would like to submit? Email, Tweet, Post or DM them to us!

*PLEASE INCLUDE whether it’s a Positive, Negative, or Evap Line!

*ALSO – If you have submitted a Test and you notice it’s in the wrong category, PLEASE let us know so we can put it in the right category as soon as possible! Thanks

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Positive (Blue Dye) Home Pregnancy Tests

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I’m sure by now if you’ve started your TTC (Trying To Conceive) journey, you’ve started charting your BBT (Basal Body Temperature), CM (Cervical Mucus), and possibly even your CP (Cervical Position). Some even opt to Take OPK’s (Ovulation Predictor Kits) in conjunction, to verify whether or not you’re in your Fertile Window! Once Ovulation has taken place, you can usually get a reliable result on a HPT (Home Pregnancy Test) when you’ve missed a period. But what does a true positive result look like? I decided to put together a Gallery of actual, “Positive,” results that you can look at that display both Pink Dye and Blue Dye Tests, manufactured by different brands!

Do you have a Test you would like to submit? Email, Tweet, Post or DM them to us!

*PLEASE INCLUDE whether it’s a Positive, Negative, or Evap Line!

*ALSO – If you have submitted a Test and you notice it’s in the wrong category, PLEASE let us know so we can put it in the right category as soon as possible! Thanks

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Equate OPK Customer Reviews!

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“Terrible!!!!! False Positives that are thin and only one side of the vertical line that sucks!!!! Don’t buy these or the Dollar Store Brands.”TTCWolfCub

“The walmart brand OV test are no good. my first time using it a couple test turned out invalid and also i got a positive off of one but when my blood results came back negative a couple days after. the walmart brands give false positives…i warn you…be careful…i have had a bad experience with it before.”Dori

“The local Wal-Mart didn’t have the ClearBlue Easy non-digitals that I usually get so I bought this product. Hey, all the Equate brands that I used were the same or better than the known brands. What could have gone wrong?

I followed the instructions in the box and four of the tests didn’t work! No matter if I peed in a cup or peed on the stick, nothing could register to make the test work. Because of this, I never was able to get a positive OPK. I will never use this brand again!” – jerrysliljess

“I have NEVER got a positive response on any. I’ve purchased two boxes and in both boxes half of them didn’t even work! I will not be wasting my money on these again!ADavid323

“It works okay, buy you’ll drive yourself crazy trying to guess whether the line is dark enough, to mean you’re ovulating. I abandoned these after a few months of confusion as to whether I was actually ovulating or about to ovulate, or what. I went back to the other brand that shows the smiley face when it’s time. The lack of guesswork was worth the extra money I saved on these. Actually I didn’t save anything with these because I had to use them for several months. I used the smiley face one once and got pregnant right away. Oh, by the way this is my second pregnancy, and both times started with this type of test to save money, but it was the smiley face that did it for me each time. Don’t waste your time, ladies!”LMC

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Product Review! WALMART Brand (Equate) Midstream Ovulation TEST

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Image: www.equate.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak

Many of us use OPK’s (Ovulation Predictor Kits) regularly. There are so many brands out there and with that being said, I thought I would give reviews on the ones I use.

Most of us are familiar with this huge super-center franchise known as Wal-Mart. (I personally shop there ALL THE TIME!) Although they’re known for their, “Great Values,” sometimes even if it’s inexpensive – there can be some sort of bigger price to pay! And then on the other hand, sometimes you do truly get a great product at a fantastic price.

Today I’m going to talk about Wal-Mart’s Brand of OPK – The Equate Midstream Ovulation Test.

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Image: www.clearblueeasy.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak

Clearly you can see it’s a, “Blue Dye Test,” which if you’ve ever read anything online about them, you may have heard how they are known notoriously (especially in reference to Home Pregnancy Tests) for their, “False Positives,” but more commonly known as, “Evaporation Lines.”

Using an OPK, it’s never uncommon to see two lines though, even after the allotted time-frame in which you have to accurately interpret the results. So in a way, that theory usually won’t apply to these. However, simply being ABLE to accurately interpret the results is just as important! This was my first experience using a Blue Dye OPK and I’ve got to be honest, I wasn’t too impressed with Equates Brand.

The opacity of the Lines, made the Tests extremely difficult to read at times. There was never truly a, “Solid,” line persay. It was almost a Light Blue or Turquoise color that was a bit transparent. The first illustration helped to showcase the Tests Dye color, but here’s two ACTUAL Tests from my own collection.

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Yes they were both positive, but for a newbie or inexperienced person testing with these I could see how they would be a bit confusing to the untrained eye.

I would think if they were going to use a Blue Dye rather than a Pink Dye when manufacturing their Tests, they would at least opt to use a Darker Blue that would be easier to read. Not to mention, (after a few minutes) the Dye on the Test starts to fade.

The Equate Brand Midstream Ovulation Tests come in a pack of 7 and cost about $12, but honestly I would highly recommend spending a few extra dollars and investing in a better Brand. Even for a Blue Dye Test, they’re at the bottom of the list in my opinion.

Here’s my VLOG Review about them, (for a more in-depth look) as I Test them out myself!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9r7zitlRNs&w=560&h=315]

CLICK HERE TO “LIKE” and “SUBSCRIBE” TO OUR CHANNEL!

I give this Product two thumbs down. If you’re wanting to save money, I would say – find a Pink Dye Test instead.

Click here for other CUSTOMER REVIEWS!

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Home Pregnancy Test Sensitivities

Pregnancy TEST Sensitivities

Image: www.americanpregnancy.org Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak

 

At the end of every cycle, (one of two things can happen) either the dreaded AF (Aunt Flo) rears her ugly head or you find you’ve missed your Period!

Some of us Chart our cycles every month by taking our BBT (Basal Body Temperature) using a special kind of Thermometer called a, “Basal Body Thermometer.” They are a bit more sensitive, and can record even the slightest body fluctuations. The next thing would be our CM (Cervical Mucus) which goes through different phases throughout the course of our cycle, as well as our CP (Cervical Position).

During the first Part of our cycle, Estrogen is responsible for gearing our bodies up for Ovulation. Once that happens you’ll notice your CM and CP getting less fertile and Progesterone (which is a heat inducing Hormone) keeps our Temperatures higher and elevated until AF shows up. Progesterone is responsible for the second half of our cycle known as the (Luteal Phase). If your Temperatures remain elevated past your ETD (Estimated Testing Day) or the day you’re expecting your Period – chances are you may be Pregnant! Estrogen is responsible for the first Part of our cycle, (Follicular Phase) so it just makes sense that our Temperature will drop within a day or two of AF.

There are all kinds of different Test Sensitivities, and you’ll find it rather easy deciding which one is right for you depending on how far along you may be in your possible Pregnancy. Usually the first day of your missed Period you can expect a reliable result, although some opt to start testing as Early as 8dpo (Days Past Ovulation). A good rule of thumb is if you KNOW you’re testing Early, you may want to rely on a HIGHLY SENSITIVE TEST that’s at least 25 mlU/ml and if you’re far enough along than usually a 40 or 50 mIU/ml should be sufficient.

Here is a List I’ve put together by Name Brand and Sensitivity!

Tests UNDER 25 mIU/ml:

– First Response Digital Gold 18mIU/ml
– First Response Early Result (Quantative Test that will pick up ANY amount of HCG per the manufacturer)

20 mIU/ml Tests:
– AimStep
– Aim Midstream 
– AimStick OTC PBO
– AimStick OTC/Accu Dip
At Home Pregnancy Test
– D Best One Step
Early Pregnancy Test
Save On Tests
– Simplicity
Tests For Less

25 mIU/ml Tests:
– AccuHome
– Answer
– Answer Quick & Simple
– Clearblue Easy (Digital) 35-50 mIU/ml
– Clearblue Easy Earliest Result
– Confirm 1-Step
– CVS Brand (Midstream)
– E.P.T. ( + or – ) Result Window
– Equate ( l l ) 2 line Result Window
– Equate ( + or – ) Result Window
– Fact Plus (Cassette)
– Fact Plus 1-Step (Cassette)

– First Signal One-Step Pregnancy Test (cassette)
– Health Check
– Health Mark
– Insta Test
– Iverness ( + or – ) Result Window
– Life Sign One Step (Midstream)
– New Choice (Dollar Tree Brand – Cassette)
– Smart Strip HCG (Fertilinet)
– Walgreens Brand (Digital)
– Puralin One Step Pregnancy Test
– One Step Be Sure Pregnancy Test

40 mIU/ml Tests:
– E.P.T ( l l ) 2 Line Result Window
– E.P.T ( + or – ) Result Window
– E.P.T Certainty

50 mIU/ml Tests:
– Clearblue Easy
– CVS Brand (Cassette)
– Early Pregnancy Test
– Iverness II
– Dollar Store Tests
– Target Brand
– Rite Aide Brand
– Drug Emporium Brand

100 mIU/ml Tests:
– Fact Plus Pro (Cassette)
– Walgreens Brand (Midstream)

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