There is little that makes you more anxious than wondering if you’re pregnant. You want a reliable answer as soon as possible. Thankfully, at-home pregnancy tests are available, but there are so many to choose from. Which ones are the most accurate, and how can you know which one is the best choice for you?
Types of Pregnancy Tests
One thing all home pregnancy tests have in common is they detect if human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is present in your urine. However, they do have different features to consider:
Digital Pregnancy Tests
A digital home pregnancy test result is obvious. Have you ever held an at-home pregnancy test up to the light to figure out if there is a faint second line? You won’t have to do that with a digital test because the result gives you a written “pregnant” or “not pregnant” answer. A digital at-home pregnancy test usually costs more than a non-digital test.
Non-Digital Pregnancy Tests
The results window for a non-digital home pregnancy test reveals a control line and a test result line. If you are early in your pregnancy, the test result line can be faint, which can make it confusing to read the results. The advantage of non-digital tests is they cost less than digital tests.
Early Pregnancy Tests
Early pregnancy tests are more sensitive and can detect hCG in your urine up to six days before you miss your period. However, you are more likely to need to retest after getting a false negative result. They can also detect chemical pregnancies, which can cause unnecessary anxiety and grief when the pregnancy miscarries. Women typically never know about chemical pregnancies because they miscarry before a woman knows she is pregnant.
Test Sticks or Strips
Pregnancy tests come packaged with test sticks or strips. The difference is in how you get the urine sample to test. You urinate directly onto test sticks. For test strips, you urinate into a cup and then dip the strip into the urine.
Considerations Before You Purchase an At-Home Pregnancy Test
When you are considering which home pregnancy test to purchase, look for one that is accurate, easy to use, easy to read, and affordable. Other things to think about are:
- Digital vs. non-digital
- Stick vs. strips
- Early pregnancy test vs. regular
- Expiration date
- Cost
Regardless of which test you choose, it’s important to use concentrated (i.e., first morning) urine and follow the directions accurately.
Is There One At-Home Pregnancy Test That Is Most Accurate?
Choosing an at-home pregnancy test is really a matter of personal preference. One independent study selected First Response Early Result as their top choice. They chose this brand because they determined it detected pregnancy early, provided quick and accurate results, and is easy to read and use.
If you read a positive home pregnancy test result, it’s essential to follow up at a clinic or with a physician. If your pregnancy test is negative, but your period is still late, follow-up is also important.
We Are Here for Follow-up Support
At Willowbrook Women’s Center, we understand all of the questions that arise when you are facing an unexpected pregnancy. Give us a call today to find out if you qualify for one of our no-cost pregnancy screenings. Our team of medical professionals is here to provide many confidential and compassionate services to help empower you with the accurate information you deserve.
