No, Clearblue Pregnancy Tests Do Not Contain Any Pills

A viral claim on TikTok and other social platforms asserts that Clearblue pregnancy tests contain a “pill” hidden inside. While the posts do not specifically call it a “Plan B pill,” the use of the word “pill” has led many viewers to assume that the object is a medication or contraceptive. However, the interpretation is misleading. 

Social Media Posts

Several viral videos show people breaking open Clearblue pregnancy tests and revealing a small white tablet. Captions often describe it simply as a “pill,” which has fueled speculation that pregnancy tests might contain hidden drug.

Source | Archive

Source | Archive

Fact Check

Official Company Statement

Clearblue has issued repeated statements clarifying that all the tests contain a desiccant tablet to absorb moisture and should not be eaten. The company emphasizes that their products contain no medication and do not include Plan B or any contraceptive agent. Below is the statement from the official website.

“We are aware of videos circulating about Clearblue® pregnancy tests and the tablet found inside. Clearblue® pregnancy tests do NOT contain Plan B. All our tests contain a small desiccant tablet which is included to absorb moisture and should not be eaten.”

Expert Responses

Health experts have warned against thinking the small white object in pregnancy tests is medicine. Dr. Myro Figura clearly stated in response to viral videos: “Please do not eat it.” He warned that health misinformation on social media can be “not only misleading, but downright dangerous.”

The company that makes Clearblue tests also addressed this issue. Dr. Fiona Clancy from SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics explained: “It is standard to include a desiccant in all our pregnancy tests. The desiccant absorbs moisture, ensuring product performance is maintained for the validated shelf life.” She added that while the desiccant isn’t toxic, anyone who accidentally eats it “should seek medical advice.”

These statements confirm that the tablet is simply a moisture absorber, not a contraceptive or medication. Calling it a “pill” wrongly suggests it has some medicinal purpose. (Source)

What Is Inside a Clearblue Pregnancy Test?

The only tablet inside is a desiccant, included to protect the test from moisture and ensure accurate detection of the pregnancy hormone (hCG). No contraceptives, hormones, or pharmaceuticals are part of the product. The tablet is chemically non-toxic but is not meant for ingestion. Manufacturers caution that swallowing it could cause choking or mild gastrointestinal upset. (Source)

Clearblue lists its test contents as testing sticks and desiccant tablets, with no medication or active ingredient beyond the reagents necessary for hCG detection. Major retailers and product packaging consistently identify the tablets as moisture absorbers, not drugs. (Source)

Desiccant tablets, commonly silica gel, are widely used in food, electronics, and medical packaging. They are labeled “Do not eat” because of the choking hazard and potential intestinal blockage, not because they contain active drugs (Source). Medical professionals advise seeking help from poison control or a doctor if ingestion occurs, especially for children or if symptoms appear.

Conclusion

The claim that Clearblue pregnancy tests contain a “pill” is misleading. While there is indeed a small tablet inside, it is a desiccant designed only to absorb moisture and protect the accuracy of the test. Referring to it as a “pill” creates unnecessary confusion, as it has no medicinal purpose and is not intended for consumption.