Pregnancy tests can be found almost anywhere, including pharmacies, supermarkets, grocery stores, and even online retailers. Pregnancy tests are one of the most accessible health products because there are so many options available, which can make it very difficult to know which one to choose. Also, if you want reliable test results, you don’t want to be walking up and down the store aisles stressing which ones are the best. That’s why we Testing pregnant staff 19 The most commonly available pregnancy test on the market.
“Intimina’s medical advisor, obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Alyssa Dweck, said: Home pregnancy tests are highly accurate When used properly. It doesn’t matter what urine collection method the test uses, whether the results are displayed as a little line or a digital readout, or whether it costs $5 or $25. If the test is not expired and you follow the instructions, you are more likely to get accurate results.
Still, there are other things to consider when choosing, including how long it’s been since you’ve had sex, how sensitive the test is to detect hCG (a hormone that rises quickly after pregnancy), and how easy it is to use without failure. For this list, pregnant staff rated the tests on their accuracy, ease of use, and value for the home. We also asked our obstetricians for tips on buying pregnancy tests.
Other notable pregnancy tests
- Evidence Check Early Pregnancy Test: This set of 10 test strips gave quick and accurate results, but… only This test involves collecting urine and dipping a strip into a cup. Considering you only get 10 strips, we think the Pregmate strips are a better value.
- Natalist early pregnancy test strip: These are similar to other strips we’ve tested, but the brand is keen to advertise that they’re plastic-free. It worked like the others in my testing, but like the others I don’t recommend using it early. In this case, the brand recommends doing it at least three days before your first period is due.
Our testing process
We asked four pregnant staff members to take home tests using 19 of the most popular and commonly available pregnancy tests. We evaluated each test on four attributes:
- Accuracy: Because all testers were already pregnant, it was not possible to test for false positives or false negatives. Instead, we compared the test’s claimed accuracy and wait times to real-world experience, and also looked at how many days before a missed period the test indicated it was usable.
- Ease of use: We evaluated how easy the instructions were to follow, whether the test was cumbersome or complicated, and whether there was a way to know if the test had been exposed to a sufficient amount of urine.
- screen: We evaluated how easy it was to display and interpret the results and whether the display was user-friendly. I also checked to see if there is a countdown feature that lets you know when your results are ready.
- value: After testing, we checked the list price of the test we used and determined the overall value. Specifically, I asked myself whether the price of the test was reasonable, whether I would pay the cost outright or wait for a sale, and whether I would recommend the test to friends and family.
our experts
In addition to the actual evaluation, we consulted several experts before and after the test to get their opinions on things like what to look out for when choosing a pregnancy test, how to use and read the test correctly, and what to do if the test expires or you suspect a false result.
- Jennifer Wu, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist practicing in New York City
- Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOG, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Member parents INTIMINA’s professional review board and medical advisors
- Monte Swarup, MD, FACOG, Obstetrician-Gynecologist practicing in Arizona and Founder of HPV Hub
- Heather Viola, DO, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital
How pregnancy tests work
Home pregnancy tests are designed to detect levels of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This is done using a test stick or strip that is exposed to urine, either by holding the test stick in a stream of urine or by collecting the urine in a cup and dipping the test liquid into it. After a few minutes (usually between 3 and 5 minutes, check the test instructions), you are ready to test.
Some tests are designed to be particularly sensitive to hCG levels and will test positive when hCG is in the low range, Dr. Wu says. If you are testing early, you can see the difference in accuracy between tests here. However, if you wait until your period is actually late, the test will likely come back positive, no matter how sensitive the test is.
Factors to consider when buying a pregnancy test
- Accuracy: Dr. Swarup says that if used correctly, pregnancy tests should be 99% accurate, regardless of type or cost. Look for tests that have the FDA seal of approval. This is because these tests have the ability to detect the hCG levels they claim to be able to detect, he added.
- sensitivity: According to Dr. Viola, digital testing is slightly It has better sensitivity than analog. This doesn’t mean the test is more accurate, just that it may be able to detect pregnancy a little earlier. If you haven’t had your period, you may be able to detect pregnancy as early as 5-6 days in advance. And if you’re wondering if the thin test line you have to squint to see clearly counts, it does. “If the (test) line is faint, it means you’re pregnant; it doesn’t have to be as dark as the control line,” says Dr. Viola.
- Ease of use: Home pregnancy tests are highly accurate, but only if used correctly. The simpler and easier the instructions are to follow, the more likely you are to get accurate results. Also consider the collection method, as some people find it easier to pee into a stick, while others find it easier to pee into a cup.
- Display type: This is basically where you choose between digital and analog. Dr. Dweck said some tests have a test line and a control line to help interpret the results, and others have the words “pregnant” or “non-pregnant” digitally displayed on the screen. There is no difference in how they work other than ease of interpretation.
- value: In case you forgot, here are the types and costs of pregnancy tests: do not have It affects accuracy, so if you find a multipack of tests that increases your spending value, go for it.
- date of expiry: All pregnancy tests have an expiry date and it is actually important to keep the expiry date in mind. “Test results are most accurate when performed within the recommended storage period,” says Dr. Dweck. “Urine pregnancy tests may have a short grace period, but they are most accurate when used before that date.”
- Incorrect result: False-positive results are rare, but false-negative results can certainly occur, Dr. Dweck said. False negative results are more likely if you take the test too early or too late, drink too much water before the test, or use an expired test.
answer your questions
When is the best time to take a pregnancy test?
Dr. Dweck and Dr. Swarup agree that the best time to try an over-the-counter pregnancy test is right after you miss your period or 21 days after unprotected sex.
Are digital pregnancy tests more accurate than line tests?
no! Whether you’re looking at the word “pregnant” on a digital screen or two different lines on an analog test, you can expect the accuracy to be the same (about 99%) as long as you use the test correctly and it hasn’t expired.
What should I do if my pregnancy test is positive?
If you don’t already have a reproductive health care provider, such as an obstetrician-gynecologist or midwife, now is a great time to start looking. Once you find your provider (or if you already have one), call them during business hours and let them know you got a positive pregnancy test. However, please note that you may not be able to get a reservation right away. The first appointment is usually around 8 weeks pregnant unless there are urgent concerns.
who are we
Sarah Bradley is parents A writer who lives in Connecticut with her husband and three sons. As a part-time homeschool mom, she understands the value of purchasing childcare products that are not only safe and affordable, but also make life easier for her family. She used commercial pregnancy tests to confirm all three pregnancies. When those two little lines appeared, I was grateful to have a test that was quick, accurate, and easy to read.
