How to Pick the Perfect Pregnancy Test for You

Choosing the right pregnancy test crucially ensures obtaining accurate results you can trust. You should choose wisely from the many options available to avoid uncertainty and unnecessary expenses.

After assessing 26 tests, reviewing online feedback, and consulting experts, First Response Early Result emerged as our top pick.

Naturally, the ideal test for you will vary based on your requirements and budget. We offer recommendations for traditional stick tests, digital options, bulk test strips, and store brand tests.

Why You Can Rely on Our Recommendations

For this in-depth review, we collaborated with experts such as Dr. Brindha Bavan, Dr. Dina Greene, and Dr. David Grenache. Drawing from personal experiences, I provide firsthand insights into the emotional aspects of pregnancy testing. With a PhD in microbiology and seven years of laboratory experience, I offer scientific expertise on choosing the right pregnancy test.

Furthermore, my personal experiences, encompassing both planned and unexpected pregnancies, offer firsthand insights into the emotions and anxieties involved in choosing the right pregnancy test.

Choosing the right pregnancy test is essential for obtaining accurate results

David Grenache, an expert in diagnostic testing, explains that home pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone present in urine after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall.

While hCG signals pregnancy, various factors can elevate levels, affecting viability, such as medical conditions or treatments. It’s important to understand that a positive result doesn’t always confirm pregnancy. Typically, implantation occurs approximately six to 12 days after ovulation, which usually transpires between days 12 and 16 of the menstrual cycle. Pregnancy dating begins from the start of the menstrual cycle, with hCG detection typically indicating three to four weeks. During the initial eight to nine weeks, hCG levels in urine double every two to three days.

As pregnancy advances, both blood and urine hCG levels continue to double every two to three days for the first eight to nine weeks. Following implantation, urine hCG levels typically range from 5 to 50 mlU/mL, measured in milli-International Units per milliliter.

Pregnancy Test Accuracy and Sensitivity

Researchers suggest that for a test to accurately identify 99% of true positives on or after the expected period day, it should measure at least 25 mIU/mL of hCG. However, accuracy varies depending on the test day, with a test claiming 99% accuracy on the expected period day dropping to about 50% accuracy a few days earlier.

Tests typically base accuracy rates on the day following the expected period, assuming average cycle length. However, cycle length, ovulation timing, and other factors can influence actual accuracy. Sensitivity varies among tests, influenced by hCG variants in urine. Some tests detect hCG levels at 10 mIU/mL, but variants like hyperglycosylated hCG may impact sensitivity.

Detecting hCG-H for early pregnancy remains uncertain; manufacturers prioritize detecting whole hCG. Users vary in sensitivity, highlighting the need to grasp test limitations and potential interferences. All pregnancy tests detect whole hCG, which includes alpha and beta regions. As hCG breaks down, urine shows other variants like alpha and beta regions separately and hyperglycosylated hCG (hCG-H).

Although hCG-H detection might aid early pregnancy detection, healthcare providers can already measure regular hCG at that stage. Researchers remain unclear about the impact of multiple hCG variants on sensitivity despite some tests detecting them.

Misleading Pregnancy Test Results Explained

Opting for the appropriate pregnancy test is vital for obtaining accurate results you can trust. False positives may occur due to high hCG levels without a viable pregnancy, while false negatives can result from low hCG levels or other factors.

False negatives are common when hCG levels are low, so test after a missed period for accuracy. False negatives can also happen on the expected day due to different hCG levels or diluted urine. High human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels can also lead to false negatives, as can prolonged testing post-confirmed pregnancy, resulting from the hook effect or variant hook effect.

The “hook effect” is a phenomenon that can occur in certain types of diagnostic tests, including pregnancy tests. High substance concentration overwhelms the pregnancy test detection system, causing inaccurate results. Choosing the right pregnancy test may experience the hook effect in later stages when hCG levels are high. Excess hCG can saturate test antibodies, yielding a negative result instead of a positive one. Some tests address this by diluting urine or adjusting components to prevent saturation. It’s vital to follow test instructions, particularly with suspected high hCG levels.

It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about accuracy. The “variant hook effect” is akin to the hook effect but involves different hCG forms like intact hCG, beta-core fragment hCG, and hyperglycosylated hCG (hCG-H). These forms may disrupt antibody binding, leading to false results. Early pregnancy rising hCG levels with diverse forms can complicate testing.

Tests focus on prevalent hCG forms or minimize the risk by using dilution methods. Following instructions and seeking medical advice ensures accurate results, especially for hCG variants.

Top Home Pregnancy Tests

Home pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in urine. It happens on a specific absorbent strip loaded with molecules interacting with hCG. As urine containing hCG moves up the paper, it passes through areas where these molecules are located.

Here’s a general overview of how the tests function: In the first area of the paper, dyed antibodies attach to the beta region of hCG.

Then, as the urine flows to a second area, antibodies bind to hCG’s alpha region, capturing the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and dyed antibodies to form a visible line. Any excess dyed antibody flows to the control zone, where it accumulates to create another visible line, confirming that enough urine was used for the test.

Wand tests contain all these components within a plastic casing, with the test and control zones typically located beneath a clear layer. Urine is absorbed by an absorbent material at one end of the wand, either directly or by dipping it into a cup. Digital tests operate similarly but have a sensor that detects the lines and displays results on a screen.

Some tests come in a cassette format, like certain at-home COVID-19 tests. These cassettes feature an exposed strip where urine is applied using a dropper. Others are simple strips that require dipping into a cup of urine. Home pregnancy tests have limitations despite their convenience. Dr. Bavan advises seeking medical advice after a positive result or for any concerns regarding pregnancy testing.

While home tests are useful, Greene suggests that blood tests are the most accurate for detecting hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), though they’re not always automatically ordered by physicians. Requesting a blood test from your healthcare provider is recommended if early detection is crucial.

How We Chose and Evaluated

We selected 26 tests based on popularity, availability, and online ratings, evaluating them at pharmacies and big-box retailers. We included FDA clearance for accuracy and sensitivity in our criteria, reviewed data on hCG detection types, and considered hook effects.

We also looked into tests with independent research, though most studies are dated. Simplicity of use was assessed by evaluating packaging, ergonomic design, and ease of handling. We noted users’ difficulties with blue-dye tests and paid attention to affordability, focusing on finding comparable, lower-priced options available in-store.

We tested various options from CVS, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart, including budget-friendly options from Walmart and Dollar Tree, as well as strip tests available for 25¢ to 50¢ each in packs of 20 to 100.

For each test type, we selected the best option based on features and affordability. I personally tested at least two of each using dip and midstream methods, assessing ease of use and accuracy-affecting features.

I compared actual development times to packaging claims and checked control line readability for faults or false positives. Leigh Krietsch Boerner, pregnant during the assessment, examined positive lines and identified false negatives. She also tested diluted urine for faint positives.

The Top Home Pregnancy Tests

Wand tests, commonly found in pharmacies and retail stores, are a classic type of home pregnancy test. Tests use the same technology as basic strip tests but design them in a convenient wand shape with an absorbent tip. Clearblue tests helpfully, making it easy to either pee on directly or dip into a cup.

Top Choice: First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test

If you’re eager to take the test early, First Response Early Result is your best bet. It claims to detect pregnancy as early as five days before your expected period (or six days before a missed period). In the company’s own studies, it detected the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in nearly half of pregnant individuals six days before their expected periods.

However, testing this early means there’s only a 50/50 chance of accuracy. The accuracy increases to 76% at five days before, 96% at four days, and 99% at three days.

This test is the most sensitive among our recommendations. First Response claims it can detect hCG levels as low as 10 mIU/mL 100% of the time and 6 mIU/mL about 50% of the time, a claim supported by independent research studies. The test’s accuracy is reportedly unaffected by high hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) concentrations or hCG variants.

In our informal testing, First Response provided the clearest positive reading even with a highly diluted urine sample. Compared to other tests, it displayed a distinct, strong fuchsia line. The wand tests are easy to handle with a convenient absorbent tip for either the stream or dip method. Results typically develop within 1 to 3 minutes, and the bright lines make interpretation straightforward.

Although First Response offers an app for test result interpretation, our testing didn’t reveal any false positives, rendering the app unnecessary. Considering privacy concerns related to reproductive health apps, we advise against using them unless necessary.

Minor Issues to Consider

The First Response Early Result pregnancy test is among the pricier options in the market, typically costing around $5 per test online and approximately $8 when purchased from a pharmacy.

Unlike other brands we’ve analyzed, First Response incorporates biotin into its chemistry. Various factors, including differing hCG levels and urine dilution, can lead to false negatives. Published reports have documented instances of biotin interference in clinical settings.

While most choosing the right pregnancy test, including First Response, undergo testing for potential interference from various medications and hormones, biotin is not commonly included in these assessments. Some users have reported biotin interference causing false negative results with First Response tests.

Since biotin levels in urine can vary for multiple reasons, individuals taking biotin supplements may want to consider using a different test or refraining from supplement use for a couple of days before testing. It’s worth noting that the test instructions do not mention this potential interaction.

Additionally, rare instances occur where highly sensitive tests like the First Response Early Result may yield false positive results. For instance, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels can rise during perimenopause, leading to false positives.

A study found that 1.3% of home pregnancy tests taken by women aged 41 to 55 resulted in false positives. The manufacturer has reported a similar false positive rate to the FDA for this age group.

Second Best: Clearblue Early Detection Pregnancy Test

Like First Response Early Result, Clearblue Early Detection can detect pregnancy five days before an expected period 71% of the time (that goes up to 94% four days before, 98% three and two days before, and 99% a day before an expected period).

Unlike other Clearblue choosing the right pregnancy test, this wand test also uses pink lines rather than blue, which some people find easier to read. Like other Clearblue tests, the Clearblue Early Detection test has a broad absorbent tip that indicates saturation.

The handle is thin, long, and easy to grip for midstream testing. (Note that the pad will turn pink even if you don’t have enough urine to reach the testing strip and generate a control band.) Clearblue tests helpfully list accuracies relative to the day of an ‘expected period,’ rather than the more confusing ‘missed period.

The Top Digital Pregnancy Test

Digital pregnancy tests aren’t inherently more accurate than manual ones. They’re usually less sensitive.

Digital tests offer clear “yes” or “no” results, are preferred by many over-interpreting faint lines, and are convenient.

Our Choice: Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test

If you prefer a digital test, we recommend Clearblue Digital as the best option. It’s easy to handle, with a wide absorbent pad like other Clearblue tests. It boasts a decent accuracy rate: 95% three days before the expected period and 75% a day earlier. Clearblue Digital large, easy-to-read display includes a progress bar, eliminating uncertainty by indicating the test’s status. Clearblue asserts that positive results stay on the screen for up to six months (negative results vanish sooner). First Response digital test should be read within 30 minutes, but my negative result stayed for two weeks.

Minor Issues to Consider

Like other digital wand tests, this one comes at a higher price compared to traditional (non-digital) wand tests, and it contributes to more electronic waste. The instructions for Clearblue Digital advise you to discard the test, including its battery, according to local regulations.

The Top Pregnancy Test Strips for Bulk Purchase

HCG test strips are quite popular among those trying to get pregnant, despite some negative opinions. You can buy them in bulk at a low cost, allowing you to test daily if you wish.

However, most strips are designed to detect pregnancy around the expected period date or later. They can also be handy for confirming the end of a pregnancy, although it’s not always necessary according to doctors.

Our Choice: MomMed Pregnancy Test

MomMed Pregnancy Test Strips are thoroughly tested like all our recommended tests and can detect 25 mIU/mL of hCG in urine. Manufactured by Co-Innovation, they’ve been tested for potential issues like the hook effect. These strips are designed for the dip method and should be used at least a day after a missed period.

What sets MomMed apart from other bulk strip tests is its inclusion of disposable plastic cups. This makes it convenient to carry them around for anytime, anywhere use. Our tests showed clear control lines within five minutes. Consider Pregmate Pregnancy Test Strips for a simpler option without cups or printed instructions, with comparable accuracy to MomMed.

Alternative: Easy@Home Pregnancy Test Strips

Easy@Home Pregnancy Test Strips, manufactured by Wondfo, are reliable strips for testing pregnancy without including cups for urine collection.

While the data submitted to the FDA by Easy@Home was not as impressive as MomMed’s, it exceeded that of other brands like Clinical Guard and Accumed. These strips can detect 25 mIU/mL with a 98.8% accuracy rate, typically after a missed period. In testing, no lines resembling a positive result appeared despite potential pink dye streaks during development.

Top Home Pregnancy Test Alternatives

We recommend First Response Early Result for its sensitivity and accuracy, with Clearblue Early Detection and Clearblue Digital as viable options. If early detection isn’t your priority, choose Clearblue Rapid Detection for its traditional “+” sign result, detecting 25 mIU/mL hCG in urine.

Its accuracy increases closer to the expected period. Target’s (Up & Up) Advanced Early Result is an affordable wand test crafted by the same manufacturer as Clearblue tests. If Clearblue Digital is unavailable, consider the Walgreens Digital & Analog Pregnancy Test two-pack, offering similar accuracy claims. For test strips without cups, Pregmate Pregnancy Test strips boast similar accuracy rates to MomMed strips. For an affordable store option, try the Equate First Signal One Step test at Walmart, priced at 97¢.

Affordable Pregnancy Testing Options

MomMed Pregnancy Test Strips and Easy@Home Pregnancy Test Strips offer budget-friendly alternatives, each with its own set of features.. The control lines often appear uneven, making it difficult to interpret results accurately. Unfortunately, it proved challenging to obtain information on accuracy or sensitivity from the manufacturer.Discover the best choosing

ClinicalGuard strips displayed the least impressive testing data among all the options considered. They only detected hCG at 25 mIU/mL in control samples half of the time. Moreover, the lack of an insert in the packet and sparse online instructions added to the usability issues. Like AccuMed, these strips are also slender and harder to manage than MomMed and Easy@Home strips.

The VeriQuick cassette test from Dollar Tree is a budget-friendly option, but our preference leans towards the similar Equate First Signal One Step test.

Identifying the control and test lines on the Assured/VeriQuick cassette proved challenging due to unclear markings. According to FDA documentation, this test detected 25 mIU/mL of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) only 50% of the time.

Discover the best pregnancy test options tailored to your preferences and budget. Explore wand, digital, and bulk strip tests for an informed choice on this pivotal life milestone. Trust accurate results with the right pregnancy test.