by Amelia Bines

Created on: January 21, 2009

When waiting to find out if you are expecting a baby, nothing is as nerve wrecking as awaiting the results of a home pregnancy test. Most assume that reading an at-home pregnancy test is a straight forward and easy process. Others have discovered that, sometimes, the results can leave you scratching your head.

One of the most confusing parts of reading a home pregnancy test is determining if a faint line in the place of a positive' result actually means you are pregnant, or if it is simply an evaporation line.

WHAT IS AN EVAPORATION LINE?

Plainly stated, an evaporation line is a faint staining in the positive' section of any, non digital, home pregnancy test. The line is formed by the drying of urine on the testing strip and it typically appears as a yellow, brown, or dull colored line. It is often so light that it must be held up to a light to see it. The line may darken as time passes.

HOW DO YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EVAPORATION LINE AND A LIGHT POSITIVE RESULT?

Women, especially those testing before their periods are due, often feel very confused when a light line appears in the positive' section of an at-home pregnancy test. They stare at it wondering if this result indicates they are pregnant, or if this light line means nothing at all.

One of the easiest ways to determine the difference between a light positive result and an evaporation line on an at-home pregnancy test is to look at the color of the line. If the pregnancy test you are using has a blue test line, then the result line should be the same or very similar color. If the line is not the same color, especially if it is brown, yellow, or any other dull color, then it is most likely an evaporation line.

The second way to tell the difference between a light positive result and an evaporation line is to read the pregnancy test instructions. If the packaged instructions explain to read the test results between 3 and 5 minutes, be sure to follow them closely. If you read the test after 7 minutes, the chance of the line in question to be classified as an evaporation line is greater due to being past the advised time limit. The greater the length of time that passes, the greater the chance of an evaporation line forming.

WHAT IF I CANNOT TELL THE DIFFERENCE EVEN WITH THE TEST DIRECTIONS?

If you are still unable to determine what the line in question on your home pregnancy test actually means, the best plan of action is to simply retest. Ideally, wait two days to test again, as this gives ample amounts of time for hCG to build up in your urine. hCG is the chemical released into your urine once you are pregnant that turns a pregnancy test positive. After two days, your test should be more accurate. If no home pregnancy test is able to put your mind at ease, make a quick trip to your doctor for a urine or blood test. Having a trained professional give you the results can often give a woman more clarity than any other option available.

Learn more about this author, Amelia Bines.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.