SELFCheck Urine Pregnancy Test

What is the SELFCheck Urine Pregnancy Test?

The SELFCheck Urine Pregnancy Test is a fast-acting, widely available and largely accurate test for early pregnancy, usable as soon as your period is one day late. Inside the kit are two pregnancy test devices, sealed in aluminium pouches, a desiccant pouch to prevent moisture damage, and an instructional leaflet.

The kit is manufactured by VEDALAB and distributed in the UK by 1st Health Products Ltd.

How Does the Urine Pregnancy Test Work? 

The SELFCheck kit works by detecting the level of the hormone hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in your urine. When you are pregnant, your body produces this hormone, releases it into your bloodstream, and then later excretes it through your urine.

The test uses two monoclonal antibodies to determine the amount of hCG that’s in your urine. If it is 25 mIU/mL or higher, it indicates you are pregnant, and the test will show a positive result.

How to Take a Urine Test for Pregnancy

The SELFCheck kit is easy to use and readily accessible, but it must be used correctly; otherwise, you risk an inconclusive result. There are two ways to use the test, and both will give the same result, so the sample collection method is up to you. The procedures are as follows:

1. When you take out one of the kits, you will notice one end has a cap. When you’re ready to use it, remove the cap to reveal the absorbent tip underneath.
2. Place the tip into your urine stream for 5 to 10 seconds. Only the absorbent tip must be in the stream; you must not let any other part of the test get wet.
3. Alternatively, you may collect your urine into a clean, dry container and then dip the absorbent tip below the surface for at least 10 seconds.
4. Once the sample has been absorbed, place the cap back on to prevent leaking.
5. Place the test on a flat, dry surface and leave for 5 to 10 minutes. Make sure the results window faces upwards, and the test is left undisturbed.
6. Don’t leave the test for longer than 10 minutes, as the results may fade.

The leaflet in the box should also outline the procedure for using the test.

Precautions for Using the Test

To ensure the safety of anyone using the test, precautions must be followed. Make sure to store the test between 4°C and 30°C and keep it firmly out of the reach of children and animals. If it is after the printed expiry date or if the foil pouch is damaged, do not use the test. Do not reuse the test, either.

The test results are only valid if the procedure steps have been followed exactly. Once the test is done with, you may discard it in your general waste bin.

When to Take a Urine Pregnancy Test

The SELFCheck home urine pregnancy test should be taken as soon as your period is a day late. It can be taken at any time of day, but for a very early pregnancy (i.e. 8-10 days after conception), it is recommended that you take the test first thing in the morning. Your first urination of the day is the most concentrated, as it has had all night to build. This makes it easier for the test to measure hCG levels, and using a sample from this time of day ensures the highest accuracy. 

Pregnancy Urine Test Results Explained

Five minutes after the urine sample has been absorbed, you should see either one or two pink lines appear in the results window. The results are now ready to be read.

If there are two pink lines, one in the test window (the small one) and one in the control window (the large one), this is a positive result, meaning you are pregnant. The lines can be any shade of pink/purple, and one may be darker than the other.

If there is one pink line in the control window and no line in the test window, it is a negative result, and it’s likely that you are not pregnant.

It is possible to get an inconclusive result. This would cause either no lines to appear at all or a line only in the test window. In either case, repeat the test with another kit.

If the line in the test window is very faint, repeat the test in 2-3 days to produce more conclusive evidence.

How Reliable Are the Test Results?

SELFCheck Urine Pregnancy Tests are extremely reliable, with an overall agreement of 99% accuracy in laboratory hCG tests. All pregnancy kits can give false positives or false negatives. If you are unsure about your results or want further evidence, you may take another test 2-3 days later to confirm.

What Can Affect the Reliability of Test Results?

The amount of fluid you consume can affect your pregnancy test results. The levels of hCG in your urine can become diluted with too many fluids in your system, making pregnancy detection more difficult.

There’s no need to drink less than you usually would, but you shouldn’t exceed your normal intake amount either, to ensure more accurate results.

Certain drugs like Pregnyl and Porfasi can cause false positives, as they all contain the same hCG that the pregnancy test is looking for. There are a few rare medical conditions that can also raise your hCG to detectable levels. It is best to speak with a clinician to find out what you may have or have taken that could affect your pregnancy test results.

If you have had a miscarriage, an abortion, or have given birth in the last 8 weeks, you will still have a raised amount of hCG in your body, and this may result in a false positive. Taking things like alcohol, birth control pills and hormone therapies should not affect the test results.

What to Do About Your Test Results 

If your test result is positive, speak to a doctor. They will help you plan your next steps and can offer advice regarding your and your baby’s health.

If your results are negative, this usually means you are not pregnant. However, it may be that you have miscalculated your period, or you are experiencing irregular periods, which have led to a false negative.

If your period does not start within 7 days, repeat the test. If the test still comes back negative and your period has still not started, consult a doctor for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions About the SELFCheck Urine Pregnancy Test