Every woman periodically, in one context or another, faces the question of early diagnosis of pregnancy. Someone wants to know whether the consequences of a careless passionate night will manifest themselves, while others are looking forward to the birth of a new life in their body, or have even been trying for a long time and to no avail to achieve conception.
Today, through the efforts of scientists, several types of special devices have been created that make it possible to record the characteristic signs that accompany the restructuring of the female body in this condition.
They are called tests and are sold in pharmacies. Thanks to them, any woman can check whether she is pregnant, without the help of a gynecologist and undergoing special tests.
Which of the existing types of pregnancy tests you need to choose depends on the goal you are pursuing and financial capabilities.
- If you need to quickly determine your position with minimal effort, then you can use the usual strips. They are the cheapest, and the results are quite reliable over a certain period of time.
- If you are limited by the conditions in which you need to test, use a more convenient inkjet pregnancy test. It is a little more expensive, but does not require a urine collection container.
- In the case when you are purposefully planning your conception and monitoring your cycle, you should spend a little on a digital reusable inkjet test, which gives the most reliable result. In addition to reliability, its advantage is that it will be useful to you more than once in the future.
- Also suitable for repeated use is a tablet test, which can be called a miniature laboratory: it consists of a set of cassette reservoirs with a reagent, a pipette and a container for collecting urine. They all work on the same principle, based on detecting the presence in the urine of a specific pregnancy hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
Its concentration begins to rapidly increase in the blood and urine from the moment the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. However, even the most sensitive test can detect it only at a concentration of at least 10 mIU/ml. And this happens only on the seventh day after fertilization. That is, it is impossible to know for sure, 100%, whether you are pregnant before the delay, using any type of home testing, but it’s worth a try.
Nowadays, inkjet tests to determine pregnancy before a missed period are becoming increasingly popular. It is a plastic case, inside of which there is a strip of fibrous material, which, by absorbing, conducts urine well, and on which a reagent with antibodies to HCG is applied.
The reagent strip is located in the information window. On one side of the case, the end of this strip is closed with a removable cover. This is where the stream of urine should hit during testing. When the reagent interacts with hCG, a second strip appears on the fibrous basis of the test, which should mean pregnancy for you. The first line is a control line and means that moisture has reached the fibrous base and that the test is suitable for use.
In digital inkjet tests, instead of stripes, the following inscriptions appear in the diagnostic window: “pregnant/not pregnant” or “yes/no”. Some of these devices are also equipped with a USB port, with which you can connect it to a computer, which will decrypt the test result. At the same time, there is a special program that not only confirms or denies pregnancy, but also indicates its duration.
The inkjet diagnostic method is considered highly sensitive.
Its sensitivity is 10 mIU/ml, while the previous generation of test strips had a sensitivity of 25 mIU/ml.
The principle of operation of inkjet pregnancy tests
5-7 days after conception, the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus. At the same time, the female body begins to produce a hormone necessary for the healthy development of the baby - human chorionic gonadotropin. Its amount increases noticeably until the 12th week, and then decreases. All pregnancy tests, including jet tests, are based on the indicators of this hormone. A special reagent is applied to the strips and rods, which changes color when interacting with gonadotropin.
The material used to detect pregnancy remains the same - urine. The hormone can be detected using a blood test, but it is impossible to do this at home. The sensitivity of most tests is 25 mUI. This amount of reagent is formed in the urine approximately two weeks after the start of pregnancy; it can be detected earlier using tests with higher sensitivity. Their price is usually higher.
Description
The rapid test is used for early diagnosis of pregnancy.
How the test works:
A rapid test detects the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine. The hCG content in the urine of a non-pregnant woman is usually 5.0 mIU/ml. HCG reaches a high concentration before the 12th week of pregnancy - from 100,000 to 200,000 mIU/ml. The rapid test detects hCG in urine if it is 10 mIU/ml or higher. This level can be detected as early as 7-10 days after fertilization.
Blast Test Accuracy and Possibility of False Readings
In 98% of cases, inkjet tests give correct results. However, malfunctions are also possible, which occur due to several factors.
A positive result must be certified by a doctor
False negative results are often produced when tests are used early, when the body has not yet produced a sufficient amount of human chorionic gonadotropin.
Other reasons include failure to follow instructions and improper storage. They reduce the accuracy of indications for endocrine system diseases and hormonal imbalances.
False positive results may also be due to improper use of inkjet tests or, for example, expired expiration dates. A false positive indicator can indicate a number of diseases, for example, tumors and cysts, disruptions in the hormonal system, the consequences of miscarriages, abortions and ectopic pregnancies.
Reasons for false results
Sometimes false positive or false negative results occur. In the first case, the analysis procedure may have been violated according to the instructions, the test was damaged or its expiration date had expired. Also, the line in the control window will not appear if the concentration of the hCG hormone is too low - repeat the test in a few days.
A false positive test most often occurs in certain diseases during which hCG is produced:
- residual hormone phenomenon is observed after recent abortions, miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies;
- various tumors, including cysts and malignant formations, can increase the concentration of hCG;
- various diseases of the hormonal system.
Advantages
Inkjet tests are not the only type of rapid pregnancy diagnosis, but they are the most popular and convenient. Compared to the previous leading and cheap test strips, they are easier to use. For the correct result, you do not need to collect urine in the morning; jet tests can be used at any time of the day. This does not require precise dosing, as is the case with tablet meters.
The result will be known in two minutes
Compared to modern electronic tests, inkjet tests give faster results, and their accuracy is slightly lower.
The main advantages of inkjet tests:
- high sensitivity. It is 20-15 mIU/ml. Therefore, pregnancy can be determined at an earlier stage and the device can be used already on the first day of the delay of the critical days;
- reliability - at home, only an electronic test can give more accurate results, but their cost is much higher;
- convenience - no need to collect urine in a separate container. You can use the jet test at work or in a public place;
- speed - the whole process will take 2-3 minutes.
When to use
On regular critical days, egg maturation occurs in the middle of the cycle. Her fertilization is possible during the first 3 days of life. A few more days are required to move the fertilized egg and achieve the maximum concentration of the hormone in the urine. Thus, the jet test can show reliable results approximately on the 24-25th day of the cycle, and highly sensitive samples - on the 12th day.
If your periods are irregular, calculating your ovulation date is more difficult. You need to focus on your own feelings. Ovulation may be indicated by tingling in the ovaries, swelling, or increased sensitivity. During this period, the rectal temperature rises. You can use special tests for ovulation. Devices to determine pregnancy must be used on the 15th day after the established date of ovulation.
There are many types of pregnancy tests
Modern inkjet tests do not limit the time of use and allow diagnostics to be done at any time of the day. Nevertheless, doctors recommend testing in the morning: at this time the concentration of the hormone is higher. This is especially important when the pregnancy is less than 18 days.
Results will be more accurate if you abstain from drinking liquids and going to the toilet for four hours before the test.
Can the test be wrong?
If you carefully study the instructions, it will become clear that the probability of test accuracy is from 95 to 99%. This means that 100% information may not be known. For example, if the test shows a false negative result, when there is actually a pregnancy, but the test does not show this.
This can happen in the following cases:
- You were in a hurry; the urine does not yet have the required concentration of the hormone.
- You bought an expired product.
- The verification procedure was carried out incorrectly.
- The day before testing, the woman drank a lot of fluids. This helps reduce hormone levels.
False positive answer (there is no pregnancy, but the test shows the opposite):
- A woman takes hormonal drugs for infertility. These medications contain the hCG hormone.
- A woman has a malignant tumor.
- After a miscarriage or premature birth, remnants of the fertilized egg could remain in the uterus.
After using the test, it is advisable to obtain a qualified consultation with a gynecologist.
How to use inkjet pregnancy tests
When purchasing a test, read the manufacturer's information and be sure to check the expiration date. If it has expired, the chemical reaction will not occur and the diagnosis will not give a result.
The sequence of actions is as follows:
- remove the test from the package and remove the cap (most often it is painted in a contrasting color compared to the main body);
- place the rod under a stream of urine for 5-10 seconds;
- close the housing with the cap again;
- place the test on a table or any other horizontal surface;
- wait 2 minutes and check the result.
Two stripes indicate pregnancy
Data is stored for 10 minutes after the reaction, then the indicator may change.
If one line appears in the window, it means the result is negative and pregnancy has not been detected. Two stripes indicate a positive result and nascent life. There are also devices with a digital screen on which the indicators appear in the form of the words Yes/No or Pregnant/Not pregnant.
What if the pregnancy is ectopic?
It also happens that the fertilized egg is attached not in the uterine cavity, but outside it. This is an ectopic pregnancy. If you do a test, the result will still be positive. You can only find out what kind of pregnancy you have after an ultrasound.
If the test is positive, the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are aching pain in the lower abdomen and discharge mixed with blood. If you experience such changes, it is better to consult a doctor immediately.
Regardless of the result obtained, it is better to consult a gynecologist - only a specialist will dispel your doubts.
How to improve the accuracy of the result
Although an inkjet pregnancy test with a valid expiration date, produced by a reputable company, will show an accurate result with a probability of 98%, there are ways to make the analysis even more reliable.
- Never reuse the same test: these devices are strictly single use.
- Ideally, diagnostics should be carried out at room temperature.
- Try to use the test in the morning.
- It is very important to store the device correctly so that it is not affected by sunlight and other factors. The package should be opened immediately before using the test.
- Do not take pills or other medications: they can change the structure of your urine.
- Do not drink a lot of water and other liquids so as not to reduce the amount of the hormone in the blood.
- If the test shows a negative result, but menstruation still does not occur, repeat the test after 2 days. This is the period for the increase in human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine.
- Strictly follow the instructions included with the test.
An inkjet pregnancy test is the optimal choice for quickly and accurately detecting pregnancy in any conditions. If the result is positive, you should consult a doctor to confirm the readings. An error is unlikely, but several factors can reduce the accuracy of the diagnosis.
Bursten vs Ink-Mate. Which inkjet printer ink manufacturer should you choose?
Prologue
In September last year, CHERNIL.NET (that's us) launched Bursten ink, the production of which is based in Germany (not connected in any way with OCP GmbH).
Please do not confuse it with the brand of consumables of the same name, which was withdrawn from our range 5 years ago; there is nothing in common between them. Before your eyes, the story of the rethinking of one of the brand’s products is unfolding, combining several groups of inkjet printing products under one logo. A story of rethinking, confidently based on acquired experience and conclusions drawn from the mistakes of the past. Our team believes in the success of the “newbie”. And we want to feel it in the mood of our partners-clients-friends (that’s you). And for this we need to shed a little more light on the properties and characteristics of German consumables. And we decided to compare it with the old-timer of our assortment - the “grandfather” Ink-Mate.
We would like to note that the “match” is exclusively of a friendly nature, the purpose of which is to help you make your choice.
All tests were carried out on the new Canon PIXMA TS5040 printer. We used a five-color set of Canon CLI-471, PGI-470 NANO cartridges, a Bursten ink set and an Ink-Mate ink set. For the purity of the experiment, we used “unbiased” original HP Premium Plus Photo Paper, High-Gloss.
Fortunately for you and me, this is not a matter of choosing between premium executive sedans from two competing brands. Therefore, there is no need for you to study multi-page advertising booklets, and for us to compose these same booklets. Instead, we will focus on the main thing: price, quality and range.
Range
We deliberately start the comparison from this point, since the appearance of Bursten ink in our product offering is an unprecedented case. After all, they are universal. The product line is divided only by vendor - Canon, Epson, and inside - sets for four-, five- and six-color printers in sets and individually. All. You no longer need to search for your printer or cartridge model among a long list of compatibility. Supplied in 100 and 1000 gram cans.
The range of old Ink-Mate does not need a long introduction. A varied range of ink models covering most inkjet cartridges and devices. Packages from 70 to 1000 grams, tailored to suit your needs. Divided into the yellow and black CHERNIL.NET cans and, according to some, the more authentic AlphaChem Co. Among the supported vendors are the same Canon, Epson and .
It would seem that the point here is in favor of the “Koreans”, because with their help you can select ink exactly in the volume you need and exactly for your cartridges, thereby achieving maximum performance quality. The first point - yes, the second - we will now understand.
Quality
What do people say? Is it better to hear once than to be cut off a hundred times? It seems like nothing was wrong. Anyway, we just want to show you our test photos printed on a Canon PIXMA TS5040 printer using Bursten and Ink-Mate inks.
Top: Bursten Parrot, bottom: Ink-Mate. Do you also think the bottom photo is a little faded? Let's not rush, let's look at the results of another test.
There is definitely a difference. But we will not say what color the dress is in which direction the scales are tipped, so as not to unleash a holivar because everyone’s perception is different and the conclusions drawn on the basis of these photographs may differ. Most of you are very familiar with the print quality of Ink-Mate inks. The same cannot be said about his opponent. Therefore, first of all, with these tests we wanted to show that quite adequate prints can be obtained even with the help of universal inkjet consumables. If it's Bursten.
Price
We are accustomed to the fact that European ink is expensive, and Korean and Chinese ink is cheap. What will our “experimental subjects” show us? On the website shop.chernil.net we compare the retail cost of the kits that participated in the tests.
Five-color Bursten ink set for Canon, 100 g - 830 rubles.
Ink-Mate CIM-720 kit, 100 g - 900 rubles.
Compared to the cost of a similar set of OCP inks, this difference of 70 rubles can be neglected and both brands can be classified in the same price category. Nevertheless, the German brand is 8% cheaper than the Korean one. If you compare kits from other vendors, this relationship will remain - Bursten ink, although slightly, is cheaper than similar Ink-Mate inks.
Bottom line
What do we have in the bottom line? A Korean brand of ink, an old-timer in our assortment, which has honestly earned its popularity - on the one hand. A newcomer from Germany, it is universal, the quality of workmanship of which allows you to print photographic materials without any compromises with yourself - on the other. The prices of similar models of the two brands are comparable to each other, but still play in favor of German consumption.
We're not trying to convince Ink-Mate users to switch to Bursten (although experimenting is always fun, and in our case, a positive result is also guaranteed). We gently took you by the hand, walked you along the library of arguments, gave you knowledge and came to the point of choice, which you are now able to make yourself. Bursten or Ink-Mate? Forward!
PS Profiling
We carried out our tests on a Canon PIXMA TS5040 printer with Ink-Mate and Bursten inks without a preliminary profiling procedure. Profiling is the setting of a single printer or MFP to use specific consumables. The quality of the prints obtained during testing could be very different for the better. Therefore, regardless of your choice, we recommend using this service, and here we are ready to help you.
And we don't need all this. CHERNIL.NET will carry out profiling for OCP, Bursten and Ink-Mate inks completely free of charge ! Your printer can print better with our consumables. We are ready to prove it.
