Do Expired Pregnancy Tests Work?
Pregnancy tests have come a long way since they first hit the shelves in 1978. Back then, finding out if you were pregnant meant a trip to the doctor and a lot of waiting. Thankfully, today’s pregnancy tests are easily available online and in stores, making the process much simpler and more convenient. But let’s talk about why you should avoid using an expired pregnancy test and what else to keep in mind when stocking up.
When Do Pregnancy Tests Typically Expire?
Just like many other products you have on your shelves, pregnancy tests do have an expiration date. While it might seem odd, health and wellness items, including pregnancy tests, can lose their effectiveness over time. Typically, pregnancy tests expire a few years after they’re made. This is because the materials inside, like the antibodies that detect pregnancy hormones, can degrade and evaporate, which might lead to inaccurate results. Always check the expiration date on the packaging before using a test!
Are Expired Pregnancy Tests Still Effective?
While an expired pregnancy test might still give you a result, there’s no guarantee it will be accurate. Pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in your urine. This hormone is produced when an embryo implants in the uterus. The test contains antibodies that react to the presence of hCG, causing a line to appear if you’re pregnant. But over time, these antibodies can break down, making the test less reliable. If your test is expired, it’s best to recycle it and grab a fresh one. If you’re unsure, your healthcare provider can help confirm your results.
How Common Are False Negative Pregnancy Tests?
A false negative is when you get a negative result even though you are actually pregnant. While it’s not super common, it does happen more often than false positives. Several factors can contribute to a false negative, including:
- Using an expired test: those use by dates exist for a reason!
- Testing too early: hCG levels start off low in early pregnancy but rise quickly. If you test too soon, the hormone might not be high enough to detect yet. Please check our table below for accuracy of when to test.
- Incorrect usage: Always follow the instructions for use closely to ensure you’re doing the test right.
- Checking too soon: Be patient and check the results within the time frame specified in the instructions. For OVUM tests, it’s 3-5 minutes. Using the timer on your phone is a great idea!
- Diluted urine: Testing later in the day or after drinking lots of fluids might dilute your urine, especially if you’re testing early in pregnancy.
|
Number of days before your expected period |
% of pregnant women who get a positive result |
|
0 (expected day of period) |
> 99% |
|
1 |
> 99% |
|
2 |
> 99% |
|
3 |
> 99% |
|
4 |
> 97% |
|
5 |
> 77% |
The above data is from scientific studies involving over 1000 pregnant people. This study shows that OVUM Early Detection Pregnancy Tests are 99% accurate 3 days before your expected period. At 4 days before your expected period, the test result is 97% accurate, and at 5 days before your expected period, the test is 77% accurate.
Key Takeaways on Expired Pregnancy Tests
Always check for a control line on your pregnancy test before using it—this ensures the test is working properly. If your test has expired or if you’re unsure about the result, it’s time to retest with a new, unexpired one or consult with a healthcare provider.
At OVUM, we know how important it is to get accurate and timely results. Our highly sensitive, early-detection pregnancy tests are designed to give you clear answers from the comfort of your home. Remember to follow the instructions for use carefully and use tests that are within their expiration date.
