More about the Ovulation Strip Test

Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary. The egg then passes into the fallopian tube where it is ready to be fertilized. A child is conceived when the male sperm successfully fertilizes the female egg. When a woman is about to ovulate, her body releases a large amount of a hormone called L.H. (Luteinising Hormone). L.H. is always present in your urine but the levels increase (surge) in the middle of your cycle, causing you to release an egg from the ovary. The One Step Test detects the sharp increase in LH concentration in urine, the so called “LH surge” which precedes ovulation.

TEST PROCEDURE (Read intructions carefully before use)

Do not use first morning urine samples as LH is synthesized in your body early in the morning. It will not show up in your urine until later in the day. The best time to collect your urine is between 10am- 8pm. Pick a regular time that suits you best. Collect urine at about the same time each day. Reduce liquid intake about 2 hours before collecting your urine as a diluted urine sample can prevent the test from detecting LH surge

TO CARRY OUT THE TEST:

1. Determine the day to begin testing.

2. To begin testing, open the sealed pouch and remove the strip. Do not remove the strip until you are ready to begin testing.

3. With the arrows pointing downwards towards the urine, place the test strip vertically (straight) into the urine sample, for at least 10 seconds. DO NOT allow the urine to go above the MAX (maximum) level line.

4.Remove the strip from the urine and place on a clean, dry surface. For best results you should read the results at 5 minutes.

5. NOTE Do not interpret results after more than 10 minutes. To avoid confusion, discard the test after registering the test result at 10 minutes.

HOW TO READ THE RESULTS:

After each test, you must decide if you are having a L.H. surge.

To determine your result you must compare the colour intensity of the test band to the control band. The control band is used to compare the test band against and also confirms that you have completed the test correctly.

Positive for L.H. surge

If two colour bands are visible and the test band is of equal or greater colour intensity (darker) than the control band, this is a positive result and a good indication that the L.H. surge is occurring. You should ovulate within the next 24-36 hours. Sexual intercourse on the evening of the first positive test is advised.

Negative for L.H. surge

If two bands are visible but the test band is of a less intense colour (paler) than the control band or cannot be seen, this means the L.H. level is at or near its normal level and that the surge is not in progress. You should continue with daily testing.

Invalid result

If no control band appears within 10 minutes, the result is invalid and should be ignored. A visible control line is needed in all cases to confirm a proper test result. Repeat test with a new test kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this test?

This test is greater than 99% accurate in laboratory testing.

How does a home ovulation test work?

When a woman is about to ovulate, her body releases a large amount of a hormone called L.H. (Luteinising Hormone). L.H. is always present in your urine but the levels increase (surge) in the middle of your cycle, causing you to release an egg from the ovary, this process is called ovulation. If the L.H. surge is present, ovulation is likely to occur in the next 24 to 48 hours. These ovulation tests detect the L.H. surge by measuring the amount of L.H. in urine.

Once I receive a positive result, when is the best time to have intercourse?

Ovulation usually follows the start of the L.H. surge within 24-48 hours. This is the time when you are at your most fertile, therefore you should have intercourse during this time.

What happens if after using the 5 tests provided I have still not detected my L.H. surge?

Most women with regular cycles will detect their L.H. Surge in 5 days or under and so 5 tests are sufficient, however, if you have irregular cycles you may need to test for longer and may require additional ovulation tests to detect your L.H. Surge

I have recently come off the contraceptive pill will this affect my result?

As the pill disrupts your natural hormone balance it may take a few months for your periods to return to normal. You may want to wait until you have had 2 normal periods before starting to use this ovulation test. Please be aware that pregnancy and breast feeding could affect the results of this test.

Will alcohol or other common medications affect the results of this test?

No, but you should consult your doctor if you are taking any hormonal treatments.

Can I use the ovulation test for contraception?

No, the test is not designed to prevent contraception. As sperm can survive for 72 hours you might still become pregnant if you had intercourse before you detected your L.H. Surge

I had a positive result for the L.H. Surge and had sexual intercourse during this period but I have still not become pregnant.

There are many factors that can affect your fertility. It can take many healthy couples months to achieve pregnancy. You may need to use these tests for a few months before pregnancy occurs. If after 6 months of trying you have still not become pregnant, you should visit your doctor for advice.