Evaluation of "Determine; The OvuTest" as a device for identifying optimal time for conception

The device known as "Determine; The OvuTest" (Ventco Medical Trading Company, Montreal, Quebec, Canada) was appraised for its stated function of determining the optimal time for human conception by detecting the presence of the protein, uteroglobin (UTG), in cervical mucus. Twenty volunteers used the device daily through three cycles in which ovulation was indicated by rise in basal body temperature and/or elevated levels of luteinizing hormone. No correlation was found between the instrument readings and time of ovulation. When tested in vitro, it did not distinguish the presence of UTG. When vaginal flushings, containing cervical mucus, were analyzed for UTG by double immunodiffusion, no lines of precipitation were observed. We conclude that "Determine; The OvuTest" does not identify the approximate time of ovulation and therefore is not a reliable aid to conception. It does not detect UTG, and periovulation cervical mucus does not contain UTG.