Did you know the salt pregnancy test is an alternative Do-It-Yourself (DIY) test for home pregnancy test kits? This test uses salt as a medium of testing to predict whether or not you are pregnant.
Unlike the home pregnancy test kit, this test uses the common salt available in the kitchen pantry. However, similar to the home pregnancy test kit, it checks the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in the urine.
While this method of home pregnancy testing is getting popular over the internet, there is much more speculation on the accuracy, say medical experts. This article further dives into what a salt pregnancy test is all about, its procedure, and interpretation of results.
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Salt pregnancy test: What is it?
A pregnancy test with salt is one of the home pregnancy testing options you find over the internet. It is a no-cost, free pregnancy testing option. This test needs two basic ingredients,
- Salt from the kitchen pantry
- Urine collected early morning in a clean bowl
The sample of urine is mixed with a couple of tablespoons of salt. The salt reacts with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine and detects the pregnancy status.
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The procedure of a salt pregnancy test at home
There is no clear-cut defined procedure to take this test. hCG concentration in urine is high- early in the morning.
- The urine sample is taken in a clean bowl.
- A tablespoon or two of salt is mixed into the sample.
- After some time, if the mixture changes its texture and nature to become cheezy, milk-like, confirm you are pregnant.
Theory adjunct to working of salt pregnancy test
It is true that the hCG levels steadily increase after conception. Testing of hCG levels in urine can confirm pregnancy. If you have missed your scheduled periods and suspect a pregnancy possibility, you can test for pregnancy.
There is no specific scientific research into how the test works. However, as per observations, the hCG hormone in the urine and the salt react, leading to curdling and changing of texture. However, there is no theory backing how the reaction takes place.
Again, if you are confirming pregnancy through a salt pregnancy test, you will need to reconfirm with a pregnancy test kit or a blood hCG test. A standalone salt pregnancy test will not be sufficient to detect pregnancy.
Best time to take the test
You can take the pregnancy test with salt after you have missed your menstruation. Most people who have taken this test recommend taking it early in the morning with the first urine of the day. This is when the hCG levels are highly concentrated in the urine.
Interpretation of salt pregnancy test results
Once the salt and urine are mixed, you will need to wait and check the container for any changes. As you observe the container, you will notice one of the outcomes below.
Salt pregnancy test positive result
If the salt and urine mixture in the bowl changes to a “milky,” “cheezy,” or “foamy” textured mix, it advocates a positive salt pregnancy test result indicating positive for pregnancy.
Salt pregnancy test negative result
If the salt and urine mix does not change texture or color, it is a negative salt pregnancy test and negative for pregnancy. The mix will seem like urine in salt with it. But sometimes, the foam-like appearance of the urine itself can create uncertainty as to whether the test is a positive or a negative one.
The above are two outcomes of a salt pregnancy test positive and negative picture.
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Accuracy of the tests
While the pregnancy test using salt is very cheap and is easy to be performed at home. On the other hand, there is no scientific evidence to say that these tests are reliable and accurate. There is no research to indicate how salt reacts with hCG or if salt by itself forms a reaction. And the test outcomes also create confusion sometimes, making these tests less convincing and accurate.
Conclusion
When you want to check whether you are pregnant or not instantly, an early pregnancy test with salt can be helpful. This test uses your early urine sample to check for pregnancy. The hCG in urine is checked for pregnancy with salt.
But, with a lack of adequate scientific research and studies, this test is proven less accurate and reliable.
Make sure to take a urine pregnancy test with an over-the-counter pregnancy test kit or go for a blood hCG test to confirm pregnancy if you are taking a salt pregnancy test.
