Boots Pregnancy Test - Helping indicate whether you are pregnant or not. (Boots Pregnancy Test Kit)

Member Name: katykicker

Product:	Boots Pregnancy Test Kit
Date:	09/07/09 (882 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Simple to use, clear instructions with pictures of examples, reasonable price.

Disadvantages: Not always the result wanted!

As I have some fertility issues and an irregular cycle it's not unusual for me to have to do a pregnancy test from time to time to check if I am pregnant or it's just another one of those times where I end up feeling like my body is letting me down.

I purchased a double test set from Boots for £4.99 and this has been the price for at least the past year (it used to be much more expensive in the past I believe but has since come down year on year).

The tests are individual wrapped in blue & white wrapping (which seems to be standard for most tests) and then you receive one paper set of instructions and this is all neatly packaged within a cellophane wrapped cardboard box.

Instructions: The instructions are very clear to read and tell you about the two different ways to use the tests (direct in your urine stream & by holding your urine in a beaker (or similar) and then dipping for 10-15 seconds. It shows you three possible outcomes of a positive result and also shows you what a negative result will appear like. The instructions are very simple to understand and also answer lots of frequently asked questions such as 'what do I do if I get a negative and still my period doesn't arrive'.

Tests: The tests are made up of plastic and within them they contain a small strip which uses a dye to test for the levels of HCG in your urine (the pregnancy hormone) and I believe these tests look for HCG levels of 10 or more so could in theory work earlier than the first day of your missed period. It is however advised that you wait until the day of your missed period or as long as you longest cycle has been in recent months before using a test. The test is very easy to use and it has a pull of cap which then has the area to collect the urine (either dip it in to the beaker or your urine stream for around 10-15 seconds) and then simply replace the cap after use. While the test is working you will see the purple coloured dye travel across the screen and this will then show one line in the circle window (control window) and one or two lines in the square window dependant on the result. The control window confirms that the test has worked and the square window indicates one line for negative and two lines (a plus symbol) for positive.

I have found these tests to be very clear and the result can usually be read within a minute (however, wait 3 minutes just to be sure), although, the only thing I have to complain about here is that if you are watching the result for a moment as the dye travels across it really does appear like a positive result (this lasts just a couple of seconds if it's a negative result) and this can be a little moment that catches your breath or fills you with hope (dependant on what you want to achieve).

I do think these tests are very easy to use and seem to be very reliable. I have used them on several occasions now because they are cheaper than most of the branded ones on the market yet do the same job. I have never had a test that has failed to work and never received any that are damaged or faulty in any way. I think that the price is very reasonable and if you are in a situation where you want to confirm whether you are pregnant or not then I would recommend these with a single kit also available for £3.99, although, I would recommend the double pack because if you are pregnant you may want to confirm it and if you are not pregnant and don't receive your period you may require another one to check.

I am going to rate these 5/5 as the price is reasonable & it displays the result accurately without being confusing.

Always remember never to read a result after 10 minutes as an evaporation line from the fluid may cause a negative to appear as a positive result.

Summary: An easy to use pregnancy test that doesn't cost a fortune.