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Original poster

Evap advice? Worried

8 replies

SillyOldBear3 · 10/03/2021 20:27

Can anyone help.. I tested one day before period as I was feeling a bit off, and didn't see a line in the 5 min time frame so thought nothing of it. Happened to check the test an hour or so later and it seemed to have a fairly thick, even line.

My period started the next day and has been quite heavy, but I couldn't get the test out of my mind so took another, and again, a line developed within an hour. I've taken 4 now and they all develop this line outside the time frame, some more visible than others.

Is it normal to have so many evaps? Are they even evaps?! Googling has made me suspect a chemical pregnancy with low hcg levels. Do I need to worry about an ectopic? Making myself worried here! 😔

OP posts:
Whatwhyhowwherewho · 10/03/2021 21:24

If the lines didn’t show up until well after the read time then they will likely be evap. Low hCG still can show within the time the test should be read, they will just be faint.

Evaporation lines happen when the urine that was on the test area starts to dry. The chemical composition of the urine sample changes due to evaporation. As a result, the test may start to display a positive line. After the allotted time has passed, you should discard the pregnancy test to avoid confusion

Original poster
SillyOldBear3 · 10/03/2021 21:49

@Whatwhyhowwherewho

If the lines didn’t show up until well after the read time then they will likely be evap. Low hCG still can show within the time the test should be read, they will just be faint.

Evaporation lines happen when the urine that was on the test area starts to dry. The chemical composition of the urine sample changes due to evaporation. As a result, the test may start to display a positive line. After the allotted time has passed, you should discard the pregnancy test to avoid confusion

Thanks, I keep trying to tell myself this, I just find it so strange as I have used these tests so many times and never had an evap line! (I'm awful for checking them hours later, even though I know you should throw them away straight away for this exact reason!) My period is also lasting longer and seems heavier this time 🙁
OP posts:
unknownttc · 11/03/2021 05:08

@SillyOldBear3

Can anyone help.. I tested one day before period as I was feeling a bit off, and didn't see a line in the 5 min time frame so thought nothing of it. Happened to check the test an hour or so later and it seemed to have a fairly thick, even line.

My period started the next day and has been quite heavy, but I couldn't get the test out of my mind so took another, and again, a line developed within an hour. I've taken 4 now and they all develop this line outside the time frame, some more visible than others.

Is it normal to have so many evaps? Are they even evaps?! Googling has made me suspect a chemical pregnancy with low hcg levels. Do I need to worry about an ectopic? Making myself worried here! 😔

Maybe try a different brand test?x
Original poster
SillyOldBear3 · 11/03/2021 17:37

Thanks, I took another test this morning and the line was much fainter so I think if it was a chemical it's almost out of my system.
I'll test again tomorrow and if there's any hint of a line will probably try another brand of test.

It's odd as I have used this batch of tests loads of times, I bought a batch of 30 and am over half way through. None that I've done before have ever developed any hint of a line!

OP posts:
Original poster
SillyOldBear3 · 11/03/2021 19:44

Oh wait.. I just checked this morning's test in better light and there is a line, and it's actually no fainter than any of the others. Wish I could upload a pic here but I'm a new user (I'm usually just a Mumsnet lurker!) I need to buy another brand of test to put myself out of my misery.

It's been 16 days since I ovulated, and I had my period on day 12 after ovulation. This is normal for me as I have a shortish luteal phase. My period was 4 days, and fairly average, possibly slightly heavier. If I was actually pregnant, I'd be having positive lines within the time limit by now, surely? 😕

OP posts:
LividLiving · 11/03/2021 19:48

I don’t believe in evaps.

If you have a line, it’s because you have HCG in your pee. It could be a chemical, but it’s worth looking out for signs of ectopic as erratic HCG can be an indicator.

If you have pain or concerns, get medical advice or go to the EPU.

Original poster
SillyOldBear3 · 11/03/2021 20:09

@LividLiving

I don’t believe in evaps.

If you have a line, it’s because you have HCG in your pee. It could be a chemical, but it’s worth looking out for signs of ectopic as erratic HCG can be an indicator.

If you have pain or concerns, get medical advice or go to the EPU.

Thanks, I am also dubious of evaps, and they are in exactly the same place on every test and an even thickness.

With an ectopic, would the hcg levels be higher? Or at least would they be getting darker each day? I have no pain at all at the moment so hoping it's a chemical at worst.

OP posts:
Original poster
SillyOldBear3 · 12/03/2021 14:34

Just an update, I tried a Clearblue Early Result test today and I am not pregnant, no line at all so obviously no hcg detected.

Relieved that nothing sinister is going on.

So, lesson learned, don't trust any lines that appear late on an internet cheapie test!

OP posts:
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