As you wait patiently for the test to show whether you are pregnant or not can feel as if those three minutes last a lifetime. Taking a pregnancy test is a nerve-wracking process no matter whether you are mentally ready to receive that positive or negative result. Are you sitting wondering ‘why is my digital pregnancy test stuck on the clock?’
Why is My Digital Pregnancy Test Stuck On The Clock?
Your test should indicate a clear yes or no result after three minutes of taking it. Once you have soaked the testing strip in your urine, wait for 30 seconds and a clock should appear on the display. After three minutes your result should show. If your first response digital is stuck on the clock then your unit is invalid and you should retest.
Digital Home Tests
Using a digital at-home pregnancy test has become a favorite amongst many women. Not only are they efficient but they give you a clear-cut yes or no answer. No more second guessing whether you have line or deciphering if you have an evaporation line. A simple yes if you are pregnant and a no if you’re not. Perfectly simple right?
So what happens when you are patiently waiting for that clock face to disappear? Why is your first response digital stuck on the clock?
First Response Digital Pregnancy Test is Stuck On Clock
On opening your test you will notice that there is a solid clock on the digital screen. Providing you have followed all necessary instructions for your pregnancy test the clock will begin to blink. This signals to you that the test is underway and it is reading the levels of hCG in your urine. If you find that your first response digital pregnancy test is stuck on the clock symbol then the test is actually invalid and you should retest.
Sometimes you may be presented with a question mark or if the clock disappears altogether without giving you your final result it also means that you will need to retest.
I know that when you take a test you can become anxious and all logical thought can escape so it is good to note if you open your test prematurely it will still be ok to use for up to 12 hours after opening. You must ensure that the absorbent tip stays dry and leave the cap on until you are ready.
What is An Invalid Result?
There are times when you may be presented with an invalid result. This is not only stressful but can prolong your nerves if a positive test is something you have been waiting for.
Although it is rare, defective tests are known to make it to the store shelves leaving many women confused about why is my digital pregnancy test stuck on clock.
If your first response digital is stuck on the clock then it would indicate that your test could actually be defective.
Other reasons for this of course could also be down to user error.
Taking a pregnancy test for the first time was super scary for me. With shaking hands, I opened the test and tried my ultimate to get my urine stream directly on the stick but underestimated my grip. Totally losing the entire test down the loo! After retrieving the test it came up with an invalid result meaning I had to take another!
This goes to show that mistakes can happen to the best of us!
The other reason for an invalid response is if you’re overly hydrated. These tests are designed to pick up the pregnancy hormone hCG so when you drink it will dilute the strength of the hormone.
What Should I Expect To See?
Provided you have followed the instructions you should expect to see a ‘Yes+’ or ‘No-‘ sign on the display. This will clearly show whether the test has identified the pregnancy hormone in your urine.
How To Take A First Response Digital Test
Taking the plunge to do that all-important test can fill you with nervous butterflies. To make the instructions clear we have simplified the best way to take a pregnancy test.
Apologies if this is not your first time in testing but it definitely doesn’t hurt to re-examine your method.
- Before testing take note of the expiration date on the side of the carton, believe it or not, these tests do in fact have a shelf life. If it is out of date, discard it and choose another to prevent an invalid response.
- Upon opening the test you should clearly see a solid clock on the display, this indicates that your test is ready.
- Holding the test downward with the digital display away from your body, ensure the absorbent tip is in your urine stream for at least five seconds. (Be prepared for a little backsplash!)
- If this sounds too much to comprehend you can opt to collect your urine in a sterile container and then place the test again downward for five seconds.
- Once you have finished this process, replace the cap and lay your test flat. You will know if it is working when the clock begins to flash.
- This next step is the waiting game. After three minutes your test should indicate a yes+ if you are pregnant or a no- if you are not.
★ Important tip: if you get a negative result your hCG levels may not be high enough to detect on a home test. Seek advice from your doctor for blood tests if you are still unsure.
Wrapping Up
I think we have answered the question Why is my digital pregnancy test stuck on the clock?
I know this may be a frustrating result and depending on the outcome you are hoping for it is safe to assume that after an invalid result your only option is to retest.
Many women opt to use their first-morning wee as it is the most concentrated (I know how disgusting this sounds) but brush up on your testing technique and I hope you achieve the result you are after.
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