Easy@Home Ovulation (LH) Test Strip User Manual
User Manual for predicting fertile days.
Intended Use
The Easy@Home Ovulation (LH) Test Strip is a qualitative test designed to help predict when a woman will experience a surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH). Detecting this surge helps identify the most fertile days of a woman's menstrual cycle. It is intended for in vitro diagnostic use and over-the-counter use.
How it Works
The Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in a woman's urine typically increases dramatically in the middle of the menstrual cycle, triggering ovulation. WHO experts state that LH testing is a reliable way to detect ovulation, which usually occurs 24 to 48 hours after the LH surge. A positive LH test result indicates the start of the most fertile period.
The test strip contains antibodies that specifically react with LH. When dipped in a urine sample, capillary action draws the urine up the membrane. If LH is present in the urine at a detectable level, a colored line appears in the test zone. A colored line in the control zone indicates the test is working correctly. The control line also serves as a reference for identifying the LH peak when the test line is as dark as or darker than the control line.
Test Strip Components:
- Handle: The part to hold the strip.
- Max Line: A line indicating the maximum level urine should reach.
- Testing Window: Displays the test results.
- Control Zone (C): Shows a line if the test is valid.
- Test Zone (T): Shows a line if LH is detected.
Contents of the Test Kit
- One sealed pouch containing a test strip and a desiccant (for storage only).
- Instructions for use.
Additional Items Needed
- A clean, dry container (plastic or glass) to collect urine.
- A timer (watch, clock, or smartphone).
Precautions
- For external use only. Do not swallow.
- Do not use the test kit beyond its expiration date.
- Do not use if the test pouch is punctured or not fully sealed.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Discard after first use; the test strip is for single use only.
Storage and Stability
Store at 4°C to 30°C (39°F to 86°F) in the sealed pouch until the expiration date. Keep away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Do not freeze.
Collection and Storage of Specimens
When to Collect Urine for the Test
Any urine specimen is appropriate for ovulation testing.
How to Collect the Urine Sample
Collect urine in a clean, dry container just prior to testing.
When to Start Testing
Determine the length of your menstrual cycle (from the first day of bleeding to the day before the next bleeding begins). Count the first day of bleeding as cycle day 1. Refer to the chart below to determine when to start testing. If your cycle length is unknown, start testing on cycle day 5 and continue until the LH surge is detected.
Cycle Chart: Day of Cycle to Begin Testing
| Cycle Length | Day to Begin Testing |
|---|---|
| 21 days | day 5 |
| 22 days | day 6 |
| 23 days | day 7 |
| 24 days | day 8 |
| 25 days | day 9 |
| 26 days | day 10 |
| 27 days | day 11 |
| 28 days | day 12 |
| 29 days | day 13 |
| 30 days | day 14 |
| 31 days | day 15 |
| 32 days | day 16 |
| 33 days | day 17 |
| 34 days | day 18 |
| 35 days | day 19 |
| 36 days | day 20 |
| 37 days | day 21 |
| 38 days | day 22 |
| 39 days | day 23 |
| 40 days | day 24 |
Example: If your cycle is normally 26 days, start testing on day 10. If your first day of menstrual bleeding was January 3, then day 10 is January 12. You would start testing on January 12 and continue daily until the LH surge is detected.
Note: It is suggested to test twice a day when close to the LH surge day, as the surge can be short. Collect urine specimens at approximately the same time each day.
How to Perform the Test
- Remove the test strip from the sealed pouch.
- Dip the white absorbent end into the urine sample up to the black 'Max' line. Keep the tip in the urine for at least 5 seconds until the dye rises into the testing window.
- Lay the test strip flat on a clean, dry, non-absorbent surface.
- Read the results in 5 minutes. Do not read results after 5 minutes.
Ensure the test strip and urine sample are at room temperature (15-30°C or 59-86°F) before testing for accurate results.
How to Read the Results
- Negative (No LH Surge): Only one color band appears in the control region (C), or the test band (T) appears but is lighter than the control band. This indicates no LH surge.
- Positive (LH Surge): Two color bands are visible, and the test band (T) is as dark as or darker than the control band (C). Ovulation is likely to occur within the next 24-48 hours.
- Invalid: No visible band appears at all. Repeat the test with a new test strip. If the test still fails, contact support.
Visual representation of results:
Negative: Control line (C) visible, Test line (T) faint or absent.
Positive: Control line (C) visible, Test line (T) is as dark as or darker than the control line.
Invalid: No control line (C) visible, regardless of the test line (T).
Limitations
- Test results are most accurate when test procedures are precisely followed.
- This test cannot be used as a form of birth control.
- Consult a doctor if you experience irregular or unusually long cycles.
Questions & Answers
- Q: Is it a concern if there is a big difference between the control lines of two different ovulation tests?
- A: No. Variations in control band color do not affect the test result. Compare the test band color to the control band color of the same test on the day it is performed.
- Q: Can test results be interpreted after more than five minutes?
- A: No. Test results must be read at 5 minutes. Reading after this period can lead to false positives.
- Q: How long should I continue to perform the test?
- A: Continue testing for at least 5 days or until the LH surge has been detected.
- Q: A pink background color and vertical streaking appeared in the result area. Is this a concern?
- A: No. These variations can occur due to urine composition or air humidity but do not affect the test results as long as the control band appears within five minutes.
- Q: Do alcohol or common medications affect the test?
- A: Generally, no. However, consult your physician if you are taking any medication.
- Q: Once I see a positive result, when is the best time to have intercourse?
- A: Ovulation is likely to occur within 24-48 hours. This is your most fertile time; sexual intercourse is advised within this period.
- Q: I am using the basal body temperature (BBT) method. Does this test replace BBT?
- A: No. BBT primarily indicates that ovulation has already occurred, while this test predicts ovulation is about to occur.
- Q: I had a positive result and intercourse during fertile days but haven't become pregnant. What should I do?
- A: Many factors affect pregnancy. You may need to use the test kit for 3-4 months. Consult your physician if pregnancy is not achieved after this period.
- Q: Will the amount of liquid I drink affect the result?
- A: Yes. Limit fluid intake for about two hours before collecting urine to prevent dilution of hormone levels.
- Q: Can I use first morning urine for testing?
- A: No, first morning urine (FMU) is not recommended for ovulation testing as LH levels may not be easily detectable. The ideal time to collect urine is between 10 am and 8 pm.
Package Symbols and Contact Information
Package Symbols:
- [sunlight] Keep away from sunlight
- [single use] Do not re-use
- Store between 4°C and 30°C (39°F and 86°F)
- [keep dry] Keep dry
Questions or comments?
Please call toll-free: 1-855-822-6999 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. CST)
E-mail: support@premom.com
Manufacturer: Easy Healthcare Corporation, 360 Shore Dr., Burr Ridge, IL USA 60527
Made in China.
