What does it mean if one test strip is darker and the other is lighter?

Jul 04, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am 25 years old this year. I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend and am now using a pregnancy test strip. I would like to know what it means if one line is dark and the other is light on the test strip?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
A pregnancy test strip showing one dark line and one light line may indicate different meanings, depending on the type of test strip and the specific situation. 1. **Early Pregnancy Test Strip:** An early pregnancy test strip showing one dark line and one light line typically indicates a weak positive result, suggesting pregnancy but at an early stage. The level of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the urine may still be low. It is recommended to retest every other day using first-morning urine, or visit a hospital for a blood hCG test to confirm the result. In some cases, such as an expired, damp, or improperly used test strip, a false positive result may occur. In such situations, it is recommended to replace the test strip and strictly follow the instructions for use, or seek further medical evaluation at a hospital. 2. **Ovulation Test Strip:** An ovulation test strip showing one dark line and one light line may suggest that ovulation is approaching but has not yet reached a strong positive level. Monitoring can be continued until a strong positive result appears, after which intercourse can be scheduled. If the ovulation period has already passed, an ovulation test strip showing one dark line and one light line may indicate that ovulation has already occurred.