Margaret Crane: the artist who invented the home pregnancy test
In 1967, at the age of 26, New York artist Margaret Crane created a prototype for a pregnancy test while employed by Organon. Drawing inspiration from a paperclip holder, her invention utilized urine to identify hCG, resulting in a dark ring if the hormone was detected. Despite doubts from Organon executives concerned about potential backlash, Crane continued her efforts. In 1969, a patent was filed in her name, but she relinquished her rights for just one dollar. Alongside Ira Sturtevant, she established Ponzi & Weill, introducing "The Predictor" in Montreal in 1971, which gained U.S. approval in 1977. Crane's achievements went largely unnoticed until 2012, and in 2015, she sold the original prototype for over $11,000. Now at 85, her prototype resides in the Smithsonian.
Key facts
- Margaret Crane was a New York artist with no biology background.
- She invented the first home pregnancy test prototype in 1967.
- The prototype was inspired by a paperclip container on her desk.
- Organon filed the patent in 1969 but Crane signed away rights for $1.
- The test, called 'The Predictor,' first sold in Montreal in 1971.
- U.S. approval came in 1977, four years after Roe v. Wade.
- Crane's role was largely unknown until 2012.
- The original prototype is at the National Museum of American History.
Entities
Artists
- Margaret Crane
- Ira Sturtevant
- Pagan Kennedy
Institutions
- Organon
- Ponzi & Weill
- National Museum of American History
- New York Times Magazine
- Smithsonian
- Unilever
- Warner Chilcott
- Supreme Court of the United States
Locations
- New York
- New Jersey
- Netherlands
- Canada
- Montreal
- United States
- Washington