The hook effect - warning for POAS addicts :)

[girlinyork]

Just thought I'd share with you as well as the first tri forum as I've had a nightmare day. My IC tests were darker than the control but this morning the test line was lighter. Naturally I concluded I was losing the baby again and called my doctor in tears.

Turns out, even though I'm only five weeks, I've been caught by the "hook effect". When the HCG in your wee gets too high the test has trouble registering it properly. I had to dilute my wee so it was 50% water to get a line darker than the control. So, at the moment, everything is fine

Just a heads up for any other PALers who use POASing as a way of reassurance (I intend to stop!)

 

[Cheska8]

Thanks hun, I've been testing each day for reassurance and I would panic if I saw that too. Thanks for sharing xxx

 

[MrsMoose]

Thanks for sharing Girlinyork! I'm wondering if that's what's happened to me. I'm 6w1d and I've been testing over the last few days (I'm a self-confessed POAS addict!!). Last week I got a 1-2 on CB digi, then Friday I got a 2-3 weeks, then Sunday I got 1-2 weeks?? Also, the lines on my normal CB's and IC's are getting lighter. I've got some mild cramping/tugging but no bleeding, and my boobs are still sore, I'm peeing like a racehorse and I'm quite tired, so wondering if maybe my HCG IS a little too high now to register properly. I might try the dilution trick and see if it works. I'm just really nervous, especially after 3 losses in the past, that this little jellybean doesn't stick around.....

Carmen. xx

 

[girlinyork]

so sorry about your previous losses. I've always had nightmare times with the CB digis and a CB doctor themselves told me not to rely on the conception indicator x

 

[MrsMoose]

I've freaked myself out with them a couple of times. I keep expecting a natural progression in the conception indicator, but when I don't get it I really worry Seriously, HPT manufacturers must love us neurotic pregnant women!!! I know we should just stop testing once we have that BFP but the temptation is just too strong to want to see the lines getting darker...

I found this article, which shows that there are a number of HPT's out there who actually cause faint lines due to the hook effect. Interesting huh?

https://www.nursingtimes.net/nursin...ancy-test-kits-for-reliability/199782.article

Carmen. xx