Will the pregnancy test stick turn into two lines when it touches soapy water?
There have been some rumors circulating on the Internet recently about pregnancy test sticks turning into two lines when exposed to soapy water. Is this statement true or false? This article will explain this issue in detail from several aspects.
How the pregnancy test stick works
First of all, we need to understand the principle of pregnancy test stick. Pregnancy tests determine whether you are pregnant by detecting the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. If the hCG content in the urine exceeds a certain threshold, the pregnancy test will show two lines, which is a positive reaction, indicating pregnancy.
The effect of soapy water on pregnancy test sticks
The ingredients in soapy water may affect the detection of hCG, thereby affecting the accuracy of the pregnancy test. According to relevant studies, soapy water containing chemicals such as iodine, chlorine, and bleach can interfere with hCG detection and lead to false positive results. So if a pregnancy test comes into contact with soapy water containing these chemicals, it\’s likely to show two lines, even if you\’re not actually pregnant.
However, if the soapy water is just ordinary hand sanitizer or soap, then its impact on the pregnancy test stick will be very small and will not lead to false positive results.
The correct way to use a pregnancy test stick
To ensure the accuracy of a pregnancy test, we need to use it correctly. First, we need to choose a reliable brand and use it within the expiry date. Secondly, we need to conduct the test within the scheduled time and follow the instructions on the instruction manual. Finally, we need to compare the test results with the standards on the instructions to ensure accuracy. If there is any doubt or uncertainty about the test results, you can go to the hospital for further examination.
Summary
Therefore, it is not entirely true that the pregnancy test stick will turn into two lines when it touches soapy water. Only soapy water containing certain chemicals will interfere with hCG testing, leading to false positive results. When we use pregnancy test sticks, we need to choose a reliable brand, operate it correctly, and correctly judge and understand the test results. If there is any doubt or uncertainty, it is best to go to the hospital for further examination.
