Well, I’m not going to tell you just yet, you’ll have to read on to find out!
As I was sitting waiting for the pregnancy test to reveal the result this morning, a thought popped into my head (well, it does happen sometimes!). ‘Is there a category for this on Ciao?’ And sure enough, there was. Not many opinions in it yet, so time for me to add my pennies worth.
Yep, for the umpteenth time, I did a pregnancy test this morning. Now before anyone gets the wrong idea about me, I am happily married, have 2 beautiful daughters and would love another baby. So this wasn’t a panic ‘Oh my goodness I hope I’m not’ kind of test, this was a ‘It would be lovely if I am but not the end of the world if I’m not’ kind of test!
The reason that I have done rather a lot of
pregnancy tests is because I have a very irregular cycle. Therefore, every 5 or 6 weeks I get that nagging thought in my head – could I be? More often or not I found out before I get round to doing a test, but sometimes I just have to make sure (often before a night out so I know whether I should drink or not!)
So, it was one of those occasions this morning. I had a spare test in my cupboard from last time (I always buy in packs of 2, it’s cheaper that way!). I usually use Clearblue tests as are they are so straightforward. No messing about with chemicals – just pee on a stick! Even a bloke could manage that!
Clearblue One minute Pregnancy test (to give it its full name) comes in a blue box which has a cellophane wrapper round it. This ensures that it has not been tampered with in anyway. On the box is a pink flash which states that it is ‘The brand most recommended by doctors in the UK’. On the bottom of the box are basic instructions, but a full instruction leaflet is included inside.
On opening the box you will see the testing sampler. It is packed in a foil wrapper. The sampler is a slim, white, plastic device with a cap on one end and two windows on the side. There is one square window and one circular. It is in these windows that the test results appear.
To use the test, remove the cap and, with the tip pointing downwards, hold the absorbent sampler in your urine stream for about 5 seconds. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can collect a urine sample in a clean container and then immerse the sampler in it. Then, pop the lid back on and wait a minute. After a minute, a blue line will appear in the round window – this tells you that the test has worked and is ready to be read.
So how do you know if you are pregnant? Well, lets look through the square window (just like Playaway, isn’t it!) If a blue line has appeared in the square window, you are pregnant. If there is no line, you aren’t. Simple as that.
How does it work? The test works by detecting the hormone hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotrphin) which is produced in pregnancy. Clearblue can detect tiny amounts of this hormone. Unlike some pregnancy testing kits, you do not have to use an early morning urine sample. However, you should avoid drinking excessive amounts before taking the test as this can dilute the hormone and make the test difficult to read.
Occasionally, some fertility drugs and rare medical conditions can give misleading results, however usually Clearblue is more than 99% accurate. Over-the-counter drugs should not affect the result.
Clearblue has a careline number for queries about results – this is 08705 673514.
It is manufactured by Unipath Limited.
For more information about the test and other related topics, see www.clearblue.org.uk
I have used Clearblue on many occasions and have found it easy and straightforward. It has proved correct every time I have used it – mainly negative but thankfully 2 positives as well! I can assure you, it is fairly obvious when you do get a positive result – the second blue line was clear to see in both instances.
The downside to this test is the cost. In Boots, a single test costs £8.99 and a twin test costs £11.49. If you think you may need to do more than one test, then obviously the twin test is the best option. However, they are still expensive tests and may be out of some people’s budgets. I know you can get tests done for free in many chemists, but personally I would rather not have to carry a sample of urine into a chemists, thank you very much!
However, despite the cost, this is a good product and provides the results in an extremely quick time.
Oh yes, and the answer to the title? Well, sadly not on this occasion but at least that means I can still go on my pre-booked holiday this August! And I can carry on having fun trying!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I've been in the 'I hope I'm not' category. Nice to find somethings thats as quick and reliable. Great review. xx
roxygirl 18.02.2003 17:47
I was disappointed to read that you are not pregnant, but I learned a lot from your op! Now I will know how to use one of these if I ever get worried. -Sarah :)
Cazz 30.01.2002 23:49
Sincerely hope it tells you what you want to hear next month, Cazz xx
Pack of two digital pregnancy tests: No test is more accurate - 99% accurate from the day ... more
your period is due Most accurate reading in early pregnancy - brand used by UK doctors Unmistakeably clear digital result - Gives 2 unique results: pregnant/not p...
Postage & Packaging: £2.05 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Pack of two digital pregnancy tests: No test is more accurate - 99% accurate from the day ... more
your period is due Most accurate reading in early pregnancy - brand used by UK doctors Unmistakeably clear digital result - Gives 2 unique results: pregnant/not p...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: A very easy and quick test, no waiting about for results (well, 1 minute!), Available in any chemist or supermarket Disadvantages: Expensive for something you can get done at the doctors for free!
Jan 24th, 2002
very helpful by (100%):
