Peeing on a stick! Not the most elegant thing in the world but something that is necessary if you want to find out whether or not sex has resulted in something other than a damp patch! Yes, we’re talking pregnancy tests here. A few weeks ago I was in the situation of needing to do a pregnancy test again so trotted off to Boots to buy a testing kit.
Having already written an opinion on Clearblue pregnancy tests, I decided I might as well buy a different brand this time so I could at least squeeze another opinion out of it! There on the shelves I spied the pink box of Predictor pregnancy tests. ‘Greater reassurance’ it proclaimed. So into the basket it went.
The box is covered in a cellophane wrapper to ensure it has not been tampered with. Basic instructions are printed on the box, but there are more detailed instructions on the leaflet inside the box. I purchased the box containing two tests (you can buy them singly as well) and each test was wrapped in a foil wrapper.
When you open the foil wrapper, you have the white plastic test. One end is cylindrical and contains the testing stick. This slots inside a rectangular cartridge which contains the windows that will display the results of the test.
To use the test, remove the testing stick and pee on it! The stick needs to remain in your urine stream for at least one second. Then place the stick back into the cartridge and wait for the result. The instructions say to wait 4 minutes for the result to show, although it does sometimes show more quickly than this.
To watch the test working, hold the cylindrical end in your right hand. As you look at the 3 windows, you will see a small mark to the right of the right-hand window. This ensures you have the test the right way round! You will see a pink colour gradually moving across all three windows, from left to right.
To ensure the test has been completed properly, the left-hand window should have cleared completely and there should be a pink dot in the right-hand window. If this has not happened, the test has not worked properly.
The middle window gives the result of the test. If there is a pink dot you are pregnant. No dot means no baby.
The test works by predicting the presence of the hormone hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotrophin), which is produced when a woman becomes pregnant. The test can be carried out as early as the day your period is due, although if you have an irregular cycle it may be advisable to wait a bit longer. Predictor does not have to be used first thing in the morning as the hormone levels can be predicted at any time of day. However, consuming excess fluid before taking the test may dilute the hormone presence.
The test can be affected by fertility drugs containing hCG or hMG. Other fertility drugs, antibiotics, painkillers or the contraceptive pill should not affect the result.
Predictor is as reliable as any pregnancy test performed by a doctor or hospital and is clinically proven to be over 99% accurate.
As with all pregnancy tests, Predictor isn’t cheap. A single test will set you back around £8-9 and a double test will cost around £12.
For further information there is a helpline number – 01480 421817, available 10am to 4pm weekdays. There is also a website – www.predictor.co.uk
And what was my result? Well, I did have a pink dot in the middle window and am delighted to say that my third child is due in December. I have had my first scan and all is well.
I am currently consuming all the food I can lay my hands on and falling asleep at the most inopportune moments – situation normal then!
Will keep you all updated as to progress!!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Brilliant review - know it's been a while since you wrote it now - but hope all went well and little one was happy and healthy!
MorganForever 27.08.2002 14:11
Congratulations!! I read your Clearblue op as well and it was such a pleasent surprise to read that you got pregnant this time at the end! Morgan XxXxX
KarenUK 08.07.2002 14:19
Congratulations! Look forward to hearing how it all goes :-)
May 27th, 2002
very helpful by (100%):
