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Q1 What is an instant
Drug Test Kit and how does it work? |
A1 - An instant Drug Test Kit is a
self-contained urinalysis drug test that detects the presence of
drug metabolites in urine within minutes. The cup contains
detection strips each designed to test a particular drug at NIDA
cut-off levels. It provides instant results using a technology
similar to that found in
home pregnancy tests. Through the
patented delivery system, urine reacts with the reagents and
antigens on the strip to produce a colormetric reading
indicating either positive or negative test results. Go to the
products page to see a UA Test Kits demonstration. Or, see
our Home
Drug Test page.
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Q2 How does the
instant Drug Test Cup compare to the other cups and testing
procedures? |
A2 - The leading cups require
significant manipulation or handling of the cup in order to
activate the test. You must either tilt the cup or insert
detection strips into the cup in order to initiate contact with
the specimen. During testing, these cups are not sealed which
puts the tester at greater risk of specimen exposure, accidents,
tampering, and retesting. Should the specimen deliver a positive
reading, further handling of the cups or split-samples are
needed in order to prepare them for shipping to a confirmation
lab. Other urine drug testing products, such as testing strips,
require direct handling of urine via pipettes, can take up to 45
minutes for results and also require split-sampling. Drug Test
Cup, on the other hand, doesn't require any steps to activate
the test. Simply void urine into the cup and wait for the
results. The cup is also ready to be shipped should it be
necessary to confirm a positive reading. It's a simpler, safer,
and saner approach to drug testing. For a side by side
comparison of UA Test Kits™ against the leading drug test cups,
please see our comparison chart.
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Q3 How can my
business benefit from using instant Drug Test Kits |
A3 - Instant Drug Test Kits are
ideal for businesses that conduct pre-employment, random, and/or
post-accident drug testing. Because of its ability to deliver
instant results,
Instant Drug Test Kits
allow your new employees to begin work immediately. (Compare
that to waiting 24 - 72 hours for laboratory drug testing.) It
also allows you to proceed both timely and knowledgeably during
post-accident investigations. This is especially true for those
companies conducting remote site testing. Not only do instant
Drug Test Kits
allow you to be more productive, but it also saves you money.
While the average test can cost upwards of $35.00, Instant Drug Test Kits
are
about half the cost. Those who conduct a lot of drug tests and
order in greater quantities, realize even greater savings
through generous volume discounts. Furthermore, businesses can
receive premium discounts up to 15% on their worker's
compensation coverage with the implementation of a drug-testing
program.
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Q4 Are there any
legal medications that can trigger positive results? |
A4 - Yes. the most common problem is
the pseudoephedrine in many over-the-counter sinus and cold
medications, which can cause a positive result for
methamphetamine. Some forms of the drugs we test for may be
available legally under prescription as well. Click on the
"Specifications" link above for a complete list of "Non-cross
reading compounds"
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Q5 A urine sample
that tested positive with an instant drug screen test came back as
negative after I sent it to the lab! |
A5 - Keep in mind that our tests are
drug SCREENS, and to be used for preliminary testing only. Our
tests are designed to reduce the number of samples you have to
send in to the lab for confirmation. There are several reasons a
lab might disagree with a preliminary test result: the lab may
be testing for a different amount, or a very specific form of
the drug being tested for. The urine sample sent to the lab
might not be the same one that was pre-tested - check your own
internal procedures.
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Q6 Are Morphine,
Opiates, and Heroin the same kind of drug? |
A6 - Yes, they are all tested using
the Opiates test. These drugs are from the same family of drugs.
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Q7
How long will drugs stay in my system? |
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Q8
Which drugs do you test for? |
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Q9 What is the shelf
life of the on-site test devices? |
A9 - Our test devices have a shelf
life of 18 months from the date of manufacture. The expiration
date of each Lot of devices is indicated on each individual foil
pouch and can be used up until that date.
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Q10 Do the results
hold up in court? |
A10 - Instant Drug Test Kits provide only a preliminary
analytical test result. A more specific alternate chemical
method must be used in order to obtain a confirmed analytical
result- gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is the
preferred confirmatory method. Any result taken to court, must
be confirmed. For details see,
information on LC/MS, GC/MS Lab Confirmation.
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Q11 How accurate are
your drug tests? |
A11 - Laboratory test results for
drugs of abuse have indicated a greater than 97% accuracy when
used according to the instructions. Many have 100%
accuracy.
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Q12 Is it possible to
test positive for THC (marijuana) from exposure to second hand
smoke? |
A12 - Absolutely Not! Urine
concentrations of THC above the cut-off sensitivity level of the
test, or a positive result, is not possible by exposure to
second hand smoke.
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Q13 Will commonly
used substances such as vitamins, penicillin, aspirin, caffeine and
acetaminophen (Tylenol), affect the results? |
A13 - No. Our tests are drug and
drug metabolite specific. These commonly taken substances are
chemically . and structurally different after being metabolized
by the body from the drugs being tested for and therefore, under
most circumstances, not interfere with or compromise test
results.
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Q14 Are there any
legal medications that can trigger positive results? |
A14 - Yes. The most common problem
is the pseudoephedrine in many over-the-counter sinus and cold
medications, which can cause a positive result for
methamphetamine. A GC/MS confirmation as well as a MRO review is
necessary to determine the source of the positive result. Some
forms of the drugs we test for may be available legally under
prescription as well.
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Q15 What is the
difference between Methamphetamine and Amphetamine? |
A15 - Both amphetamine and
methamphetamine are potent symphathominetic agents.
Methamphetamine is the parent drug. It metabolizes into
amphetamine in the body. Methamphetamine and/or amphetamine are
excreted in the urine.
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Q16 Which category
covers Ecstasy? |
A16 - MDMA. |
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Q17 Is on site
testing as accurate as laboratory testing? |
A17 - Yes, it is as accurate. The on
site test kits utilize the same cut off levels as the
laboratory. This is mandated by the DHHS. The accuracy along
with the savings in time and money make on site testing a
valuable tool. |
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Q18 What are some of the
advantages to on site testing? |
A18 - *Immediate results. *No turn
around time for negatives. *Increase worker productivity less time lost to "testing
process".
*Reduced employment cost i.e. business, workers comp and
medical insurance.
*Shortened hiring cycle eliminates the 2 - 3 day delay in
hiring prospective employees.
*Increased testing specificity/flexibility allows users to
target drug testing to meet specific demographic or geographic
drug use trends.
*Increased deterrence immediate results = immediate action.
*Reduced drug testing costs lower "per test cost" through
reduced direct and incidental costs.
*Accountability donor must "deal" with results at time of test. |
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Q19 What is
adulteration? |
A19 - Adulteration is the tampering
of a specimen in an attempt to pass a drug screen. There are
several household products that are used as well as over the
counter products that are either ingested or added to the
specimen. Any specimen that has been adulterated should be
considered a positive. For more information on urine
adulteration, click on the link in the next question, Q20. |
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Q20
What Is
Urine Adulteration? |
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Q21 How can I prevent
adulteration? |
A21 - The first step to prevention
is proper specimen collection. The collection facility should be
secured, with no running water and bluing in the toilet. The
donor should wash their hands before the collection. Also always
check the temperature of the specimen.
We offer an
adulteration test strip which checks for seven different type of adulteration.
These Specimen Validity Tests allow you to test with confidence.
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Q22 What drugs should
I test for? |
A22 - With the exception of DOT
testing, which requires testing for THC, Cocaine, Opiates,
Amphetamine, and PCP, you can decide what you would like to test
for. We work with our clients to help them choose what they wish
to detect. We offer a wide selection of drug test kits (ranging
from single panel drug tests up to 10 panel and 12 panel drug
tests). We usually suggest the drugs that are the most
prevalent in the area as well as what the trends show. Because
we work closely with several law enforcement agencies, we are
aware of what drugs are out there. Most of our clients are
testing for THC (marijuana), Cocaine, Amphetamine, and
Opiates. Many will test for mAMP (methamphetamine) as it is also a popular drug in the
working population. |
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Q23 Can we test
ourselves in house? |
A23 - With the proper training you
may bring the, testing in house giving your organization a
substantial savings. You would eliminate the collection costs as
well as having to pay travel time for your employee to get to
and from the collection facility. |
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Q24 What happens if I
get a positive result for a drug? |
A24 - All positive results must be
sent for confirmation by a more specific method such as GC/MS.
The drug screen is designed to screen out the negative results
and does not measure the level of substances in the urine
specimen. It also does not identify cross reactants to the drug
test that may be in legal use.
For more information on confirmation, see
Laboratory Confirmation
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Q25
What are some Drug Slang terms and what do they mean?
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Q26
What are some of the signs / symptoms of drug abuse? |
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Q27
How can a
person detox from drugs? -or- How can I pass a drug
test? |
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A27 - These
questions are often asked in terms of
detoxing
or detoxification and/or what is required to
pass a drug test.
For more
information on these subjects, click on one of the links in the
previous sentence. |
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Q28
Are the rapid drug tests as accurate as GC/MS? |
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A28 -
Our drug tests are qualitative, which means it only
determines the presence of drugs at detection limits comparable to SAMHSA
cut-off concentration. GC/MS, which costs more, quantifies the concentration of
drugs in the sample. Given the purposes of most drug testing (pre-employment,
post-accident, random) is to detect the presence of drug use and not determine
the amounts ingested, our rapid drug test satisfies the needs of almost all
Drug Screening Programs.
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Q29
What is the major
difference between ALCO-SCREEN and ALCO-SCREEN 02 |
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A29 -
Both ALCO-SCREEN and ALCO-SCREEN 02 are saliva tests,
which are intended to be used as a rapid method to detect the presence of
alcohol in saliva.
The major difference is that ALCO-SCREEN provides a
semi-quantitative approximation of blood alcohol concentration and it takes 2
minutes to be interpreted.
While,ALCO-SCREEN 02 can positively identify the
presence of alcohol in saliva for blood alcohol concentrations greater than
0.02% and it takes 4 minutes to be interpreted.
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Q30
How are the results of ALCO-SCREEN different from
ALCO-SCREEN 02? |
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A30 - Both the ALCO-SCREEN and ALCO-SCREEN 02 are tests
that consists of a plastic strip with a reactive pad applied at the tip.
For ALCO-SCREEN, the tip that has contact with
solutions of alcohol will rapidly turn shades of green to blue depending on the
amount of alcohol present.
For ALCO-SCREEN 02, the tip that has contact with
saliva samples with alcohol in excess of 0.02% will produce a positive result
which is indicated by the development of a distinct colored line across the
pad.
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Q31
What are normal
urinalysis test results? |
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A31 -
The color varies from colorless to dark yellow.
Certain foods may stain it. The specific gravity ranges from 1.006 to 1.030.
The higher the number, the more concentrated the urine. The pH level, or
relative acidity or alkalinity ranges from 4.6 to 8.0. The average is 6.0,
which is slightly acidic. Sugars, ketones, and proteins are not present for
normal results. The blood has no hemoglobin (red blood cells) or white
blood cells present. Bilirubin is also not present.
For more information on a UA test or
a urinalysis test, see
UATest.com
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Q32
What are abnormal
urinalysis test results? |
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A32 -
The colors are abnormal when it doesnt fall in
the normal range. The specific gravity is higher than 1.006 or lower than
1.030. This may indicate kidney disorders. Exceptions are those related to food
or liquid intake. The pH level is overly acidic or alkaline urine. The sugar
and ketones are usually tested together: High levels of glucose and ketones may
indicate diabetes. Any protein
present may indicate kidney disorders. Any blood present may indicate bleeding
from the kidney, a urinary tract infection, or trauma from rigorous exercise.
If any bilirubin is present, this indicates liver or bile duct disease.
If nitrites and white blood cells are present, this indicates a urinary
tract infection.
For more information on a UA test or
a urinalysis test, see
UATest.com
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Q33 What are the so-called Date Rape
Drugs and how do they work? |
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A33 - Rohypnol and GHB. Rohypnol is a
sleeping pill marketed by Roche Pharmaceuticals. The drug is a very
potent tranquilizer similar to Valium, but much, much stronger.
Rohypnol falls in the general
drug class of Benzodiazepines.
Rohypnol like all benzodiazepine drugs produces a sedative effect,
amnesia, muscle relaxation and a slowing of psychomotor responses.
The drug is often distributed on the street in its pharmaceutical
packaging which makes it appear legitimate and legal. Rohypnol is
reportedly sold for $2.00 to $4.00 per tablet. Originally, illicit
use of Rohypnol was reported in Europe in the late 1970's while
first reports of Rohypnol use in the United States began in the
early 1990's. Rohypnol side effects begin approximately 20-30
minutes after taking the drug and peak within two hours. The half
life of system induced Rohypnol, dependent on dosage is up to 8
hours. Symptoms of Rohypnol use include decreased blood pressure,
black outs (memory loss), disorientation, blurred vision, aggressive
behavior, loss of inhibitions, and extreme anxiety. Rohypnol is
known as a rape drug because perpetrators reportedly slip it into a
victim's drink causing them to blackout. Rohypnol takes away a
victim's normal inhibitions, leaving the victim helpless and
blocking the memory of a rape or assault.
Rohypnol would test positive for Benzodiazepines in a typical
lateral flow urine test device.
It must be noted, however, that because the half life of Rohypnol is
relatively short (< 8 hours), testing would have to take place
within a few hours of ingesting of the drug.
GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyerate)
Originally developed as an anesthetic, GHB is a naturally occurring
4-carbon molecule sold in powdered, liquid or capsule form. GHB
usually is tasteless, but may be recognized at times by a salty
taste. GHB was formerly sold by health-food stores and gyms as a
sleep aid, anabolic agent, fat burner, enhancer of muscle definition
and natural psychedelic. GHB was first synthesized in 1960 by a
French researcher. It has been used in Europe as a general
anesthetic, a treatment for insomnia and narcolepsy, an aid to
childbirth and a treatment for alcoholism and alcohol withdrawal
syndrome. In the last few years it has been gaining popularity as a
"recreational" drug offering an alcohol-like, hangover free "high"
with possible pro-sexual effects (dis-inhibition often occurs and
inhibitions are extremely suppressed). GHB side effects are usually
felt within 5 to 20
minutes after ingestion and they usually last no more than two to
three hours. The effects of GHB are unpredictable and very
dose-dependent. Sleep paralysis, agitation, delusions and
hallucination have all been reported. Other effects include
excessive salivation, decreased gag reflex and vomiting in 30 to 50
percent of users. Dizziness may occur for up to two weeks post
ingestion. GHB can cause severe reactions when combined with
alcohol, benzodiazepines, opiates, anticonvulsant and allergy
remedies. Presently there are no lateral flow urine tests for GHB. |
Q:
What are the
drug test cut-off levels of the rapid drug test?
A:
The
screening cutoff concentrations of our tests are consistent with those
of SAMHSA. Those cutoff levels are as follows:
Amphetamines
1000 ng/ml
Barbiturates
300 ng/ml
Benzodiazepines
300 ng/ml
Cannabis
50 ng/ml
Cocaine
300 ng/ml
Methadone
300 ng/ml
Methamphetamines
1000 ng/ml
Opiates
2000 ng/ml
PCP
25 ng/ml
Tricyclic Antidepressants
1000 ng/ml |
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Q: If a drug test is positive, can you determine
how long ago the drug was taken and over what period of time?
A: No. Drug of abuse testing by blood, urine, or
saliva can only detect whether or not a specific drug or drug metabolite is
present at the time the test is performed. While there are very broad estimates
(see
drug detection chart) as to how long a
particular drug may have been in the system, no fluid based drug test,
regardless of method, is intended to include a time variable. Many factors
unique to the individual being tested determine the actual half-life of the
particular drug including such variables as age, weight, sex, metabolic rate,
overall health, amount of drug consumed over what period of time, etc.
Therefore, no conclusions can be drawn as to when a particular drug was taken or
how much was consumed with these
types of drug of abuse tests. A forensic
hair core analysis for drugs can be
utilized to determine historical drug use up to 90 days. |
Q: I am taking a
prescription medication. Will this particular medication test
positive on a drug test?
A: There are literally hundreds of
brand name and generic drugs being prescribed today. If you have a
question on a specific prescribed medication, you will need to know
the general classification of that medication to determine if it
will test positive on any of the specific drug test panels, i.e.:
opiates,
amphetamine,
methamphetamine,
benzodiazepines,
barbiturates etc. For general
classifications on prescription drugs you can either ask your
pharmacist, give us a call at 801-596-2709, or send us an email:
sales@UATests.com.
Give us the name of the prescription drug and well help you
determine its general classification and pharmacology. |
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Q: What are the effects of sample dilution or
adulteration and how are these tested for?
A: The most common method of sample manipulation to
avoid a positive drug screen is dilution. Other forms of sample adulteration are
the in vitro addition of adulterants or additives into the specimen sample to
destroy the chemical reaction properties of lateral flow, point of use, drug
tests. Common practice is to pre-test the sample for dilution or adulteration
using a
sample validity test. |
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Q: I have unexpected results or test
failure. What is the likelihood that the test device is defective?
A. 98% of the time,
unexpected test results or failure to obtain test results is the result of user
error. Failure to follow instructions, inadequate sampling, device
contamination, failure to use a timer or other user related factor. In-vitro,
lateral flow chromo-graphic tests while simple to use still require certain
basic testing disciplines. Unfortunately persons unfamiliar with these
disciplines often ignore the test instructions or cautions expecting the test
device to be accurate regardless of how it is used.
Additionally, the stringent quality control checks and required random sampling
methods mandated by the governmental regulatory authorities during the
production process make the likelihood of receiving a defective test device
extremely remote.
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Hair Drug Test FAQ
(This is a partial listing, for more
information about hair drug testing, see Detailed Hair Drug Test FAQ)
Q: What drugs does
a Hair Drug Test screen for?
A: A typical Hair Drug Test will screen for five different drug classes: Cocaine (cocaine & benzoylecgonine), Marijuana (THC-COOH), Opiates (Codeine, Morphine & 6-monacteyl
morphine), Amphetamines (Meth/amphetamines & Ecstasy) and Phencyclidine (PCP,
angel dust).
Q: How many hairs are required for laboratory testing?
A: Approximately 40-50 strands cut from the scalp line at the crown (or when
bundled, about the diameter of a shoelace tip).
Q: How does the test work?
A: There are 2 options: one have professional collect the hair sample or
two, collect the hair sample yourself. If you choose option two, follow
these simple instructions: Using the detailed instructions as a guide, collect a hair sample of
approximately the diameter of a shoelace tip. Once you have collected the hair
sample, record the Specimen ID number found on the CCF (chain and custody form).
Keep this number, for this is how you will be able to get your results (based on
the CCF Specimen ID). Each Hair Test collection kit come with complete
instructions. Mail the hair sample to the CLIA certified laboratory, Omega
Laboratories, Inc, using the pre-addressed, prepaid envelope provided. The
laboratory will analyze the hair sample for evidence of drug use. You will
receive you test results by the method you chose when you purchased your test.
If you have not received your results within 3 business days of the Lab's
receipt of the hair sample, contact us by phone at 801-596-2709.
Q: How does our Hair Drug Test compare to urinalysis or saliva tests on the market?
A: The primary differences are historical use (approximately 90 days
dependent on hair length) and the inability to tamper or contaminate the test
and therefore directly change the test results. Cocaine, Methamphetamine,
Opiates and Phencyclidine are rapidly excreted and usually undetectable in urine
72 hours after use, and in saliva 48 hours after use. The detection period for
hair is limited only by the length of the hair sample and is approximately 90
days.
Q: How effective is Hair Testing in detecting drug users?
A: In side-by-side comparison studies with urinalysis, hair drug testing has
uncovered significantly more drug use. In two independent studies, hair drug
testing uncovered 5 to 10 times as many drug users as urinalysis for evidence of
drug use.
Buy
Hair Drug Test |
Pregnancy and Ovulation Test Questions:
Q: How soon can I test?
A: It has been stated that tests
of this sensitivity can detect a pregnancy as soon as 7 days past ovulation. But
keep in mind that implantation must first take place before hCG is released.
Implantation takes place between 6-12 days past ovulation with 7-9 days being
the average. It is recommended to wait until at least 9-12 days past ovulation
and even then there is a chance that you are testing too early and could still
get a false negative. If you continue to get a negative result but feel that you
could be pregnant, please consult your doctor.
Q: Must I use
first morning urine for the pregnancy test?
A: If you are testing early (prior
to missing your period) it is definitely recommended that you use first morning
urine. First morning urine contains the highest level of hCG because it is the
most concentrated. If you do test later in the day it is a good idea to hold
your urine for at least 3-4 hours prior to testing. Drinking too many fluids
prior to testing can dilute your urine and is not suggested.
Q: What does it mean if the test line is very light?
A: You will always see a control
line but if the test line shows up very faint pink or purple within the
10-minute cutoff time, you should assume you are pregnant. You should contact
your doctor for further testing right away. You can also re-test in two days and
you will probably see a darker line.
Q: Should I use first morning urine when using your
ovulation test?
A: NO! The best time to test is
around 2 p.m. but anytime between 10 a.m and 8 p.m. is fine, first morning urine
is not recommended. LH is synthesized in your body in the early morning and may
not show up as well until later in the day.
Q: What is hCG?
A: hCG is human chorionic
gonadotropin. It is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Our
home pregnancy tests are designed to detect hCG in urine. Having hCG present in
your urine is indicative that you are pregnant, and the test will return
positive.
Q: What is the accuracy and sensitivity of your
pregnancy and ovulation test kits?
A: Our tests
are over 99% accurate when used properly and as directed.
Q: What is the shelf life for these products?
A: Our tests
have a shelf life of up to 24 months from the date of manufacture. The
expiration date of each Lot of devices is indicated on each individual foil
pouch and can be used up until that date. |
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Have a question that you can't
find the answer for? We can help!
Friendly
professionals ready to help.
Call: 801-596-2709
Monday -
Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, MST |
