Below is an explanation from the makers of fertile focus and this should really help you understand:

How does Fertile-Focus work?
Fertile-Focus detects hormone changes that occur prior to and during ovulation. As estrogen increases, “ferning” or crystal patterns can be viewed in dried samples of saliva (due to elevated quantities of electrolytes that will appear in your saliva). These ferning patterns indicate that ovulation is about to take place. The duration of a woman’s fertile period is typically around six days, ending 24 hours after ovulation takes place. Unlike urine LH tests, Fertile-Focus allows you to track fertility and your cycle changes throughout your entire menstrual cycle. When you observe a positive result (crystal/ferning patterns), ovulation is likely to occur within 24 to 72 hours.

•Follicular Phase: Early part of your cycle (Negative Result): Low Estrogen Levels. You’ll See Dots, bubbles, and lines. You are not likely fertile.
• 0-2 Days (Transitional): Increasing Estrogen. You’ll see incipient ferning patterns, light ferning at margins of result. You are approaching your most fertile time.
• 2-4 Days (Positive): Estrogen Surge: You’ll see strong ferning patterns: You are at peak fertility.
• 0-2 Days (Transitional): Decreasing Estrogen. You’ll see diminishing ferning patterns, light ferning at margins of result.
• Remaining luteal phase following Ovulation (Negative Result): Low Estrogen Levels. You’ll See Dots, bubbles, and lines.

Are ferning patterns observable at other times in my cycle?
A second second estrogen surge may occur right at the end of your cycle. By monitoring cycle length, and keeping daily results, the second surge should not be confounded with the estrogen surge preceding ovulation. Also, as different women produce differing levels of estrogen, ferning patterns may vary a bit in appearance and duration.

I hope this helps you.

Best Wishes,

Dalene

Dalene