Any tips for opk testing?

[LuckyFlash]

This is my first month using opk’s so it would be great to get some advice from anyone who finds them useful.
I started tracking my bbt and cm last month but got confusing results and am not sure I ovulated so want to try opk’s to help work out what’s going on.
I’m planning on starting testing 5 days or so before my app thinks I ovulated last month.
Has anyone got any tips? What’s the best time to test? Should I be doing it multiple times a day or just once (currently on furlough so able to do so if it helps)
Should I expect to see the test line get darker up until it’s positive and then go back to no line after the LH surge?
Thanks!

Test in the afternoon/evening, not morning, at least twice - 3 times if you can as you get closer to when you think it’s coming. The surge can be sudden, there and then gone by the next time you test, so worth doing a few. It can also last a couple of days. I’ve added two tests from the last cycle I had - first using OPKs properly, and I got a BFP - to show the change in 24 hours.
The line will get gradually darker and then start to fade off again rather that disappear. They’re always down LH in your system, unlike HcG that’s only there when you’re pregnant, so not quite the same.
You’ll ovulate 24-36 hours ish after the surge, but you’re not trying to DTD exactly when you’re ovulating, but in the run up, as you want the sperm there waiting when you ovulate. So worth DTD as you see the line darkening rather than waiting for a positive. Good luck.

(I know those are both morning and I said don’t do morning - it was my only option those days and obviously was fine, but technically afternoon is best )

To add to what buffalo said - I find using an app like femometer to log the strips with super useful as I find it confusing interpreting the results otherwise

Depends on how long your cycle is you should start testing.Mine for example is 25 days so I start testing CD6.Usually test come with instructions so you can work out when to start testing based on them.I test twice a day(morning and evening).It is very important to test twice or more when you see the line getting a bit darker because sometimes the surge can begin in the evening although in the morning was not positive.I use both clear blue digital and Ic just to be sure, but I've noticed both do a great job.When my test is positive I ovulate the next day.Make sure the test line is same as control line or even darker,thats a positive test.Sometimes I test a few days after as well just to make sure the line is fading.
Good luck x

Great advice thanks everyone.

What times do you test if you’re doing it twice a day? How do you manage it at work?

I googled instructions for the test I bought on eBay and it says wait 20 mins for the sample to get to room temp - is that necessary? I’m on furlough right now so time on my hands but feel like this will be tricky to do once back in the office!

Nope...I don't wait 20 minutes...not sure if this helps or not tbh🤔
I m working from home so I test when I wake up and around 9pm or even 10pm sometimes.If you are at work you can either stick with testing twice( when you are home) or test when you have your break/go the the loo.
I think these instructions applies to any kind of test so here is a pic if it helps anyone

Just popping in to say my OPKs specifically say NOT to test in the morning. I only really test once a day until I get a high, that's when I do an extra test in the evening as well.

Maybe bring a small jar with you in your handbag that you can use for dipping at work?

Whilst at home I’d test at 1ish, 5ish and 8-9ish? As a pattern. When you’re at work twice in the evenings likely fine, depending on your work toilet situation you might be able to pee in a pot at lunchtime, but I wouldn’t worry too much. Unless your tests have been in the fridge they’ll already be at room temperature.