Digital pregnancy tests are designed to provide a clear, unambiguous result, but sometimes a confusing symbol appears on the screen instead of the expected “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant.” While digital tests aim for clarity, unexpected icons, like a small open book, can cause immediate frustration. Understanding what this specific symbol means is the first step in moving past the unexpected display and getting a reliable answer.
Decoding the “BOOK” Display
The appearance of a book icon on a digital pregnancy test display is a standardized error code used by certain manufacturers, most notably Clearblue. This icon is not a positive or negative result, nor is it a sign of pregnancy itself, but rather a technical notification that the test could not complete its analysis cycle. It signifies a malfunction occurred during the detection of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine sample.
The digital test relies on a precise electrochemical reaction to measure the level of hCG, and the book symbol indicates this process was interrupted or compromised. This interruption means the test strip was either improperly saturated or the internal components failed to register the data correctly. When this symbol appears, the result displayed is considered invalid, and the test should be disregarded, regardless of any other faint lines or symbols that may have appeared momentarily.
Common Causes for the Error Message
The technical reason for the book error code is often traceable to user error during the application of the urine sample. One of the most frequent causes is the application of too much or too little urine to the absorbent tip. The test requires a specific volume of fluid to adequately saturate the internal test strip and allow the necessary chemical reactions to take place. Insufficient saturation prevents the sample from properly migrating across the membrane, while oversaturation can flood the electronics and cause a short circuit or reading failure.
Operational errors are also a common trigger for this particular error code. The test stick must be held with the absorbent tip pointing downward during the application of the urine sample. If the test is held with the tip pointing upward during this phase, it can cause the liquid to flow incorrectly into the electronic housing, leading to the error. Furthermore, the test must be laid flat on a surface immediately after sampling to ensure the liquid continues to flow evenly across the membrane.
Immediate Actions and Retesting Advice
The immediate next step after seeing the book error is to obtain a new test, as the error renders the current result unusable. It is important to carefully review the instructions provided with the new test before beginning the process to avoid repeating the previous mistake. When reapplying the sample, ensure you adhere strictly to the recommended time for holding the absorbent tip in the urine stream, typically five to twenty seconds, depending on the test method. Using a collection cup for the urine and dipping the tip for the specified duration can help ensure a more controlled and correct saturation.
If the error was likely caused by too little urine, or if you tested before the day of your expected period, waiting 48 hours before retesting can be beneficial. This waiting period allows the concentration of hCG in your urine to increase, making it easier for the test to detect the hormone. If you encounter a repeated error with a new test, consider contacting the manufacturer’s customer service line. Many companies offer a replacement test or a voucher for faulty products, and they can provide specific troubleshooting steps for their device.