OPK test strip photos on app- lighting issue!

[Ttchelp1]

Hi, I need help! I am using OPK test strips and upload the photos of the strips on to the premom app to get the test reading results to help establish when my peak is. How do people manage this process when they take photos of the test sticks in natural and artificial light? Has anyone thought this may affect the accuracy of the results on the app? Any suggestions on anything I can do to try and ensure accuracy? Its hard as I test in the mornings and then evening when artificial lights are on!

TIA

Both in the morning and the evening, take the pics in a dark room with the lights on. That way lighting is all the same. But honestly I don't think it should matter too much. Really the important comparison is the one between the test line and the control line, and a peak is a peak.

Thanks for your reply. I assumed that it's better to do when the line is darker so you have a better chance dtd closer to ovulation. That's a good suggestion I just didn't know if in artificial light the reading isn't going to be as accurate compared to natural light?

I use natural light but stand in a slightly shaded area. Honestly they are a mare to photograph!

Yes! I’m not having much luck with this function of that app! I can keep taking a picture of my ‘other brand’ test and it will give me a different result each time, even if using same background and same time of day! 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’ve kind of given up using the app to give me a numerical result and instead just use my eyes with the tests lined up to determine the result if that makes sense..

Buy some clear blue tests. So much easier than squinting and straining at little lines. Do you track your bbt? If not then it is worth trying and will confirm ovulation.

Disagree with wasting your money on clear blue- do not do this!!

How long have you been using them?

I've used them successfully four times, and every time there was no pattern to show that ovulation was approaching, as the hormones dont really work like that. It's a sudden spike, not a gradual rise. Use a strip every day, and one day you will notice an unmistakeable difference. It will be as clear as day. Mine used to be positive and really dark for around 48 hours then back to faint again.

Once you've had a positive, you'll realise that squinting at them every day is usually a bit pointless. You're better just tracking your dates, having sex for a few days before you expect ovulation, then doing it at least once, if not twice (unless sperm issues) on your ovulation days.

True. The function was frustrating at the beginning. That became less important to me. I found paying too much attention to the ratios could drive me crazy. I just keep uploading tests, and take the most remarkable test line as the peak, which the app labels accurately as well. I like the app. I could review all my previous data in it.

Thanks all. I am also doing BBT now. The thing is do you think ovulation is more imminent when the line gets the darkest it can be opposed to the 'medium' darkness?