Too confused to understand my test strip - looks like a BFP or looks like I am really daft

[Butttterfly]

Well I could not helped myself and tested today. I am 33 and ttc#1.. I bought these cheapy tests from ebay (called One Step HCG Pregancy Tests - in packs of 20.. FDA cleared and what have not..) and I have got 2 lines! Last AF was on 10/09, and Lord knows when the next should be since my cicles range between 28- 39 days...!

Now these two lines are soo confusing! One is clearly the bold control one, and the other one is slightly fainted but yes it is still there; however, it is not on the same area as the Control line, but on an area of the strip that has a different texture (sponge, covered wiht a transparent foil). From the test instructions and explanation of how this works, it seems that my fainted line is valid (they explain how the stuff from urine bonds with the potential HCG etc etc, which could not happen on the Control area which has a different texture). So I think anyway!
Then, their diagrams and drawings are really rudimentary and not respecting the real life proportions of the strip test!

Am half alive half shocked here, is this a positive...? Has any of you encountered confusion with reading the strip? I there any way to show a photo of it..?

You can upload a photo on a site such as tinypic and photo bucket and pop the link on here. Alternatively if you google the test you have with 'positive' in the title and click on images you will see loads of pictures that other people have put up on the Internet and you can compare where the positive line is showing. That really helped me in the past.

Sorry for the horrible spelling... excitement took over and at a loss on how to edit..

Just an aside I think I know what you are talking about and that is the bleed line where the dye collects, any valid result would be on the plastic area where the control line is.

Thank you... I have managed to uploads the pic here:

s1348.photobucket.com/user/butttterfly1/media/20131002_124246_zps03227986.jpg.html

So is there any HCG or no HCG!! Can;t wait to retest in a couple of days in the morning as today I have done it at lunch time..

I think I mean the link is:

i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p721/butttterfly1/20131002_124246_zps03227986.jpg

ufff!!

looks like a positive to me.

Congrats by the way. If you're still unsure, go and get a more ££ one from the chemist which is clearer.

This is the problem with cheapy tests. I used them and my positive looked like that, but I tested again with something more clear.

Looks positive to me as well - congratulations!

Do another test in the morning (when HCG concentration is strongest) to put your mind at ease.

Well whichever it is I will keep you updated.. Positive or negative, I need to say I'm so grateful you replied and I can share here all random ttc stuff! It helps so much - though I can see how it can turn into an obsession! Last time I felt like this was I believe when I was 5-6 y.o waiting for Santa !!

I'm afraid I agree with MyNameisBuggerlugs - the positive line on the cheapy tests should be on the same field as the control line. The line on your photo is not on the actual test field. Good luck anyway though, maybe I'm wrong!

Hey Butttterfly,

I've used these cheapies a fair bit and they're ok, but do require a bit of getting used to. I'm afraid that one is negative as that spongey bit is where the dye is stored. You need to lie the test flat for at least five minutes after dipping until all the dye has cleared. This takes much longer than the more expensive tests. Then you'll be able to read whether there's a line on the flat bit close to the control line (within 0.5cm). Look closely as when I got my BFP it was very very faint initially! And if you're still unsure check with a digital.

Sorry to sound negative, but I've been caught out like this too.

Good luck!

not at all, am so happy you guys share your views!! definitely will lay it to rest for a week... I did another one and there is the faintest of the faintest of the faintest rosey line much closer tonthe control one but hard to capture in a photo! meanwhile I'll just keep at it haha

well... after feeling strange continuous twitches and pulling in my ovs, today im getting my AF symptoms but they are waaaay too early as usually I get them immediately before AF comes. .. I didnt POASed yet as it would surely drive me mad...

That could be a faulty test. I've used the same tests for both positive and negative results and never had one that looked like your pic.

The line should be much closer to the control, but it sounds like you are still in the game.

I have used those tests before. I always get a faint line like that at the end of the paper bit where it overlaps onto the test bit iyswim? It's negative IMO :(

CD43 and no AF .. bfn on CD 40 and thankfully ran out of ICs otherwise would have poas-ed continuously! longest cycle by ages (usually 28-33days).
it's the limbo that kills me wish something would happen. .

just for closure I feel I must add that af came later on today! on to next konth and proper monitoring with cbfm!