The first world’s flushable pregnancy test that is made from sustainable, biodegradable materials has been developed by US firm, Lia.
Lia, an all-female design team, wanted to offer women a more private alternative to pregnancy testing while also creating a more environmentally friendly alternative to the plastic methods currently on the market.
The “modernized” design is made from the same non-woven, natural plant fibres that make up most toilet paper. The testing kit weighs less than six squares of toilet paper.
But the device repels water long enough for the results to be displayed, before breaking down like toilet paper when flushed.
“We have modernised the pregnancy test, ditching wasteful plastic and unnecessary electronics for a streamlined alternative that is both good for the environment and more discreet for its users,” said Bethany Edwards, co-founder and chief executive officer at Lia,
Women use the kit in the same way as a traditional pregnancy test, with two lines showing for a positive result, and one line for a negative result.
According to Lia, the test performs with a 99 percent accuracy rate, when taken on the day of the user’s expected period.