Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary. The egg then passes into the fallopian tube where it is ready to be fertilized. In order for pregnancy to occur, the egg must be fertilized by sperm within 24 hours after its release. Immediately prior to ovulation, the body produces a large amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) which triggers the release of a ripened egg from the ovary. This is known as an “LH Surge”, and usually takes place in the middle of the menstrual cycle. It is during this fertile time that pregnancy is most likely to occur. It is important to note that an LH surge and ovulation may not occur in all cycles.
The Ovulation Test is a rapid, one-step lateral slow chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of LH surges in urine, signalling that ovulation is likely to occur in the next 24-36 hours. The test utilises a combination of antibodies including a monoclonal LH antibody to selectively detect elevated levels of LH. The test is conducted by urinating on the absorbent tip and obtaining the results from the coloured lines.
