IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

New pregnancy and ovulation test on the Swiss market

As you may have noticed in your pharmacy, drugstore or online, our new combined pregnancy and ovulation test is now available on the Swiss market. To find out more about the specifics of this product and the differences between existing tests, we interviewed a specialist in the field.

Hello Bahjat

1. Why are there so many pregnancy tests on a market that, all things considered, is fairly limited?

Specialist: The pregnancy test was one of the very first rapid tests, launched around 40 years ago. It quickly became a benchmark for home diagnosis. Its principle is based on lateral flow paper immunochromatography, a method derived from ELISA analyses developed in the 1970s for professional laboratories. This technique is used to detect antibodies or antigens in samples.

Manufacturers specialising in this field have often started with the pregnancy test, as it forms a solid base before developing other rapid tests. For decades, the market was dominated by Anglo-Saxon companies such as Abbott, which held numerous patents. This monopoly was shaken in the 2000s, when Asian manufacturers began to flood the market, making tests more accessible.

2. So, are Anglo-Saxon tests more reliable?

Specialist: That may have been true a few decades ago, but today the opposite is true. Asian manufacturers, particularly in China, Taiwan and South Korea, have acquired exceptional expertise. They now dominate the production of the cell membranes used in these tests and have considerably improved on the original technologies.

3. What are the main differences between traditional tests and digital tests, which are renowned for their 99% reliability?

Specialist: For a long time, only 40% of women in industrialised countries were able to carry out a conventional pregnancy test correctly. Today that figure is around 60%. The main problem lies in reading the results, which is often influenced by panic or excitement.

Conventional tests display results in the form of coloured lines: one for the control and a second to indicate a positive result. However, unstable results, such as an ‘evaporating line’ appearing after the recommended reading time (generally 20 minutes), have caused confusion.

Digital tests, on the other hand, eliminate this ambiguity thanks to an optical system and a mini-processor that automatically interpret the results. The screen displays a clear and precise result, eliminating any risk of human error. However, it is still important to respect the reading time.

4. Why are there so many price differences between tests?

Specialist: For tests of similar design, price differences are often not justified. On the other hand, technological improvements, such as digital systems, can explain a price difference, although this is not always consistent between brands.

5. What about early testing, and what information does the test provide about the state of the pregnancy in the event of a positive result?

Specialist: Early detection could be an important criterion, but we need to understand the biological limits. After fertilisation, the oocyte takes several days to migrate and implant in the uterus. It is only after this implantation that the pregnancy hormone (HCG) is produced in detectable quantities. In general, you need to wait 6 to 9 days after ovulation, i.e. at least 23 to 24 days after the start of the cycle, to obtain a reliable result from the first morning's urine.

For a young woman in an emergency situation, it is essential to remember that consulting a doctor or gynaecologist remains the priority. In the event of a planned pregnancy, medical precautions should be taken immediately.

As far as the state of pregnancy up to 3 weeks is concerned, its definition is of no particular use in an emergency situation as it is not sufficiently precise.

On the other hand, it can be useful when the pregnancy is desired. The state of the pregnancy will immediately encourage a healthier lifestyle, possibly the interruption of medication or even the spontaneous interruption of routine activities such as drinking alcohol or smoking, and above all will encourage the patient (or so we hope) to consult a specialist as soon as possible.

6. What practical advice would you give to users?

Specialist: A pregnancy test is a useful tool, but the choice depends on many factors: emotional, financial and personal. I always recommend seeking the advice of a health professional, such as a pharmacist or gynaecologist. Buying a test in a chemist's guarantees you'll get the right advice, unlike buying online or in a supermarket, where there's no support.

7. What do you think of our new Primeview digital test?

Specialist: I find the concept very interesting. The fact that it combines a reusable multi-use monitor with refills is innovative and environmentally friendly. It offers performance comparable to that of top-of-the-range tests, while remaining affordable. This product meets the needs of many women and, in my opinion, deserves great success.

8. Thank you for your expertise and advice.

Specialist: My pleasure. I hope this information will help your Swiss customers to make informed choices.

• A table comparing the main tests sold in Switzerland is available on the previous post.

Interview on December 4, 2024 with Bahjat Moussali, Marketing and Sales Manager, specialist in gynaecology and feminine care products.