What is the anatomy of a home pregnancy test?

Question

I took a home pregnancy test this morning and it came up negative. I decided to open it up and see what was inside. This is an HEB brand. Anyway, I found the testing strip, but at the end of the test I found a tablet of something. Out of curiosity I stuck it on the results circle. The tablet turned hot and the results changed to positive. I did a google search on what makes up a home pregnancy test, but found nothing like what I have. So what is the tablet? Was the test set up wrong (cheap brand and all)? If the changed result is a false positive, then what is the purpose of the tablet?

Answer 1

Thats so weird yesterday i opened up my Home test too... my results didn't turn to positive though but yea i saw the testing strip and then another sponge like thing too....  

Answer 2

Pregnancy tests all work the same way, and are all just as accurate-even the cheap ones.  Some are more sensitive than others-in fact, many of the most sensitive tests are the less expensive ones.

Most tests have a strip inside of the case, which has been treated to make chemical changes.  At one end of the test, nearest the urine specimen, is a tablet or other sort of dye.  At the other end of the test is usually a sponge.

As the urine crosses the test, it activates the dye.  When it hits the test line, it mixes with a chemical that will cause the dye to stick if HCG is present, but will repel the dye if it is not present.  This is how you get a line that tells you whether the result is positive or negative-the test is looking for the HCG hormone.  When the urine crosses the control line, it will automatically "catch" the dye, letting you know that the test has been completed.  The little sponge catches the remainder of the dye.

The fact that you got the test line to turn positive after manipulating it makes no difference-I would still regard the results as a negative.  Technically, it SHOULD have repeled the dye but since you were using it in a way other than it was intended, I doubt the result could be considered accurate.  Test again to verify results.

Having said that, you might be super early and the HCG level could be extremely low.  WHen I tested with my second pregnancy, I got a negative which later (after the time frame for reading the test) turned to a very faint positive.  I was indeed pregnant.  

You might like the site http://www.PeeOnAStick.com while you wait.  I hope you soon get the result you are looking for!

Answer 3

I have no clue either. Go buy a digital test, wait a few more days and then take it first thing in the morning.  

Answer 4

i have never opened up a pregnancy test so I have no idea. But I do know that whatever be the results pre ebonimation of the test  

Answer 5

I would guess maybe the HCG hormone that you have to have in order to be pregnant might melt the tablet to make it a positive but I have no idea I have never taken one apart. Call the 800 # on the box and ask them.  

Answer 6

Wow. I have no idea. You should just go buy another test and take it. This time if it says negative i would believe it... even if you open it and mess with it and get a positive.