Why can I test earlier with First Response Pregnancy Test than with any other pregnancy test?

The First Response Early Pregnancy Test is so sensitive that most pregnant women have enough of the pregnancy hormone, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), to be detected as early as six days earlier than the day of their missed period. Therefore, you can use the First Response Early Pregnancy Test as early as six days before the day of your missed your period. For example, if you expect your period on the 21st of the month, you can test as early as the 16th day of the month. You can use the First Response Early Pregnancy Test any time of the day.

The amount of pregnancy hormone increases as pregnancy progresses. In clinical testing, First Response detected hormone levels consistent with pregnancy in 62% of women 6 days before the day of missed period, in 78% of women 5 days before the day of missed period, in 87% of women 4 days before the day of missed period and in 98% of women 3 days before the day of missed period and over 99% of women 2 days before the day of missed period.

If you choose to test early and the result is negative, you may not be pregnant or it may be too early to tell because your urine does not have enough hCG for the test to give a positive result. If you do not get your period within seven days, you should retest with another First Response Early Pregnancy Test.

When can I do the test?

You can test as early as six days sooner than the day of your missed period. You can use the First Response Early Pregnancy Test any time of the day. You don't have to use first morning urine. Generally, however, your first morning urine contains the highest level of the pregnancy hormone.

How accurate is the test?

In studies of the First Response Early Pregnancy Test with urine samples representative of both pregnant and non-pregnant subjects, laboratory technicians obtained the correct expected result in more than 99% of the samples. Over 99% accurate at detecting typical hormone levels when present. However, some pregnant women may not have detectable amounts of pregnancy hormone in their urine on the first day of the missed period or may have miscalculated the first day of their period.

How do I do the test?

The First Response Early Pregnancy Test is simple to perform - just hold the test stick in your urine stream for a few seconds and you will soon see the pink colour moving across the Clear Top to indicate that the test is working. After 3 minutes, you can read your result. Follow the full instructions enclosed in the pack before carrying out the test.

How do I know if I am pregnant or not?

The First Response Early Pregnancy Test has an easy to read test stick - two pink lines in the Result Window means you are pregnant, one pink line means you are not pregnant. The appearance of a second line, no matter how faint, is a positive result.

What do I do if the result is positive?

A positive (pregnant) test result shows that the pregnancy hormone (hCG) was detected. You should visit your doctor to discuss all aspects of pregnancy and healthcare.

What do I do if the result is negative?

You may not be pregnant, or it may be too early to tell. If you do not get your period within seven days, you should retest with another First Response Early Pregnancy Test. It is possible that either you miscalculated the length of your cycle or your urine may not have had enough pregnancy hormone for the test to give a positive result. If you retest and again no hCG is found, and your period still has not started, you should consult your doctor.

Will the result change if left standing for a certain period of time?

The test should be read as soon as possible after waiting the three minutes. A positive result will last for at least 48 hours. However, a negative result may not last and should not be read after 10 minutes.

Do any medications or alcohol affect the test?

Only medications that contain the pregnancy hormone (hCG) affect the result (for example, Pregnyl+++ and Pergonal ++). This test should not be affected by hormone therapies containing clomiphene citrate (for example, Clomid+), alcohol, painkillers, antibiotics or the contraceptive pill.

+++ Pregnyl is a registered trademark of Organon, Inc.
++ Pergonal is a registered trademark used by Serona Laboratories Inc.
+ Clomid is a registered trademark of Hoechst Marion Roussel.

I have been trying to become pregnant for some time. Is there any way I can increase my chances for conception?

The First Response Ovulation Test detects the sudden surge of luteinising hormone (one of your 'fertility hormones') that indicates ovulation (the release of the egg) should occur within 24 to 36 hours. This simple urine test finds the 2 days you are most likely to become pregnant, giving you time to plan, thereby maximising your chances of conception.

To increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby, you should consider the following:

• Maintain a well balanced diet
• Stop smoking
• AVOID alcohol consumption

The first three months of pregnancy is the most important time and you need to see your doctor immediately for proper care and nutrition counselling. Medical research has shown that folic acid (a B Vitamin) can greatly reduce the chances of babies being born with neural tube defects such as spina bifida. The Department of Health (www.doh.org) recommends that women planning pregnancy take a daily 400mcg folic acid supplement and eat a diet rich in folic acid from the time they are trying to conceive up until the 12th week of pregnancy.

If you have any questions contact the FIRST RESPONSE Advice Line and ask for Carol Moore on 01303 221686, between 9.00 am and 4.30 pm Monday-Friday.

I have waited longer than three minutes, and still there are no lines in the Result Window. Is there anything wrong?

Your result should appear within three minutes. There should be at least one pink line in the Result Window at three minutes to indicate that the test is completed and you have done it correctly. If not, the test in invalid. This could be due to insufficient urine on the Absorbent Tip or not holding the device with the Absorbent Tip pointing downward while replacing the Overcap. You should retest with another device, carefully following the instructions.