Claim
A tiktoker with the username irewolegodwin in a viral video made a series of claims concerning the use of Pregnancy Test (PT) strips. He claimed that everyday liquids like Coke, soap, and even excess urine can trick a pregnancy test strip into showing a positive result—claims that demand a closer look at the science behind these widely used health tools.
According to the user, he said, “if one makes use of Coke or soda on the strip, it would read positive, if one makes use of soap or bleach, the strip would read positive, and if excess urine is used for the test, it would read positive.”
How Does a PT Strip Work
A pregnancy test strip works by detecting the level of hCG ( Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in the user’s urine. hCG is the hormone produced by the placenta after a fertilised egg attaches to the Uterine lining.
A PT Strip is positive when it shows two lines and it is negative if it shows a line. it reads a line, the user is negative. If the PT Strip doesn’t read any line or shows a line towards the tips immersed in liquid, it is Invalid.
Verification
To determine the validity of the claims made by TikToker irewolegodwin regarding the effects of Coke, soap, bleach, and excess urine on pregnancy test (PT) strips, a thorough verification process was undertaken, combining scientific principles with practical testing.
This process involved analyzing the composition of each substance, understanding how PT strips detect the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), and conducting hands-on experiments to observe the strips’ reactions. The goal was to separate fact from fiction and provide clarity on a topic that impacts public health awareness and decision-making.
Unused pregnancy test (PT) strips were obtained and tested with three substances: Coke, a soap solution, and an excessive volume of urine.
Coke/Soda
Soda comprises of water, flavours, sugar or artificial sweetener, additives like Citric Acid amongst other making it impossible for it to contain hCG. Practical checks in which the result can be found below emphasises that it is impossible. The PT Strip when dipped into the required amount of soda showed negative
Soap/Bleach
Soap is made up of the following composition; Sodium Silicate, Soda Ash, Sodium Sulphate, Beizeme Sulphate amongst others. Practical checks in which the result can be found below shows the impossibility in this statement as the PT Strip when dipped into a soap solution showed negative
Too Much Urine
Practical checks on the authenticity of this claim shows that the result gotten from the PT Strip would be invalid. This is because the quantity of urine would make it impossible for the strip to accurately determine the level of hCG in the urine.
VERDICT
The above mentioned claims are FALSE
The strips dipped in Coke and soap solution both registered as negative, while the strip exposed to an overload of urine produced an invalid result.
It is important that the above mentioned claims are fact-checked as it concerns a sensitive health issue which is pregnancy. Misinformation such as using coke, soap or excess urine can cause confusion and decision making based on fake information. It arms the public with ample information towards making informed decisions, prevent the spread of myths and most importantly, retain the confidence in public health workers and services.
Tips on How to Effectively Use a PT Strip
- Use the first morning urine
- Avoid excess fluid intake before testing to prevent the dilution of hCG level
- Follow the instructional manual carefully
- Consult a healthcare professional for confirmation of results.
This verification has been produced with support from BO Foundation for inclusive media (BOFIM) and THE WITNESS.