Pregnancy Tests
A woman who wants to get pregnant needs a sensitive pregnancy test.  A woman who doesn't want to get pregnant also needs a sensitive pregnancy test. This is one of the biggest concerns that you should take into account when choosing a brand of pregnancy test. The cost might be an issue, but that is far less important than knowing that you are getting the most accurate results possible and as soon as possible. Tests cost between $5 and $20, depending on the type of test and the quantity of tests per package.
Test Sensitivity
Not all pregnancy tests are the same and just because one costs more than the other doesn't necessarily qualify it as being better. The true test of test accuracy is sensitivity. The more sensitive the test, the more likely it is to detect hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), the hormone that is a produced as a result of pregnancy that shows up in urine. - Tests are capable of detecting this hormone at levels as low as 20 mlU/ml/hCG.
- The lower the mlU/ml/hCG number is, the more sensitive the test. Thus, the more sensitive the test, the earlier you can use it.
- The most sensitive tests (detecting 20 mlU/ml/hCG) can be used 6 to 8 days after conception or 7 to 10 days past ovulation.
- Tests are 90% accurate within a day after the first missed period. But they're 97% accurate a week after since hCG levels double every 2 to 3 days and many women don't get positive tests until a couple of days after a missed period.
Keep in mind that if you have a problem getting false positive results (due to giving birth recently or having a miscarriage), a very low sensitivity test (with a high level of mIU detection) might be the solution to your problems. It will help to detect the levels of hCG that exceed the normal amounts rather than the background amounts that are detected by low sensitivity tests.
Top Picks
| Testing Method Is A Matter Of Preference |
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Midstream Tests require holding the test stick under a stream of urine and waiting 2 to 5 minutes for results. |
Test Strips require dipping a test strip into a cup of urine and waiting 5 minutes. They are usually less expensive than midstream tests. |
Tips for Buying Pregnancy Tests- Buy two testers or more in a package.
- When testing very early, it is possible that you will need to test again up to a week afterwards to verify your results.
- The more tests you do the better since sometimes reading results is hard and may lead to a wrong diagnosis. You might want to consider giving a digital test a shot if you have had problems in the past with standard tests.
- Don't be afraid to buy two different brands to start to compare results and do a double check.
- Always look for "one-step" kits. They are easier to use and more convenient.
- Check the expiration date!
Tips for Using Pregnancy Tests- Don't forget that you may not ovulate at day 14. Everyone's ovulation cycle is different and you have to keep that in mind when calculating how early to test.
- First morning urine has the highest concentration of hCG.
- Faintly appearing positive lines are still positive results on the test.
- The only fertility medications that yield false positives involve injecting hCG.
- Birth control, other medications, recreational drugs, alcohol, and stress do not alter test results.
- Once you get a positive home pregnancy test, go to the doctor and get a blood test.
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Pregnancy and Ovulation Test Value Packs for frequent or many users.
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