Lia Diagnostics has developed a 100% biodegradable and flushable pregnancy test made from an eco-friendly paper-like material. 

Traditional pregnancy test kits deny the user complete privacy. Additionally, the single-use tests made from plastic contribute to the increasing issue of plastic pollution. These tests are also not always reliable, leading a customer to use more than one consequently adding to plastic waste. 

Founded in 2015 by two University of Pennsylvania graduates as part of their academic program, Lia Diagnostics aims to give the user complete privacy over their pregnancy test results, ensuring a reduction of plastic pollution during the process. 

Lia pregnancy tests are a first of its kind product, with 99% accuracy and eco-friendly production. Some of its key features are that it is:

• Biodegradable: The manufacturing material is made from natural plant fibres,
• Flushable: The material is made to disintegrate in wastewater like 2-ply toilet paper,
• Perforated: The material is strategically perforated to allow easy breakdown during degradation. 

The test has a wide collection pad preventing spillage and splashing of urine. Above this is the hormonal indicator where the test results are displayed. 

The indicator tests the presence of hormone hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), a reliable indicator of pregnancy. 

Like traditional tests, the development of a single line on the indicator is a negative result while a double line tests positive for pregnancy. 

Once the test results are revealed, the Lia pregnancy test can either be composted or simply flushed, maintaining privacy for the user and preventing any plastic waste. 

A third party lab test revealed that the Lia pregnancy test completely biodegrades in the soil in 10 weeks. 

Lia pregnancy tests will be available for sale in the US by the end of 2019.