Whether you're taking a pregnancy test hoping for a positive or negative result, it can be a stressful experience. The last thing you need to worry about is how reliable the result is. Show
The good news is at-home pregnancy tests are pretty accurate—99 percent to be exact, says Christine Greves, MD, an ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. Every test is slightly different, but they all look for a certain level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone secreted by the placenta after an embryo implants in your uterus, she explains. The urine test that your ob-gyn does pretty much the same thing, says Jessica Shepherd, MD, an ob-gyn in Texas. The only difference is that the one provided by your ob-gyn’s office is probably subject to better quality control than what you can buy at your local drugstore, notes Dr. Greves. That means it's less likely that they've been in a hot environment or is expired (yep, they have an expiration date). But FYI: That doesn’t happen a whole lot. The best time to take the test is the first day of your missed period. “That way, your pregnancy hormone level should be high enough that it can be detected by a test,” Dr. Greves explains. It's also a good idea to do it in the morning when your urine is more concentrated, according to Dr. Shepherd. But you can really take a pregnancy test at whatever time of the day, she adds. If you have all the classic symptoms of pregnancy, but the test comes up negative, try waiting a week, then testing again. But know that even the best at-home pregnancy tests are not 100 percent accurate, and the timing of the pregnancy matters. “The earlier in the pregnancy, the harder it will be to interpret these tests. In addition, any medical test carries a risk of false-positive and false-negative results,” says Betsy A.B. Greenleaf, DO, an ob-gyn and the advisor of ph-D Feminine Health. If you are experiencing pain and suspect you're pregnant, call your doctor and they can perform a blood test. Odds are fairly high that you will receive accurate results the first time with a blood test, but if you want to be certain, Dr. Shepherd recommends buying a test that displays the results in a way that you know you will be able to understand. Not sure where to start with your at-home pregnancy test shopping? Try one of these 10 options recommended by ob-gyns. Meet the experts: Christine Greves, MD, is a fellow of the American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She serves as an obstetrical and gynecological surgeon at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.Jessica Shepherd, MD, is a gynecologist and the director of minimally invasive gynecology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is the founder of Her Viewpoint, an online women's health platform that addresses sensitive topics. She also serves as the chief medical officer for Verywell Health. Betsy A.B. Greenleaf, DO, is the advisor of ph-D Feminine Health. She is a board examiner for the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and serves as a spokesperson for the American Osteopathic Association. She is also the host of the "Some Of Your Parts" podcast, which is dedicated to women’s wellness. 1 Clearblue Rapid Detection Pregnancy Test 2 Can test before first missed period Triple Check Pregnancy Test 3 Easy@Home Pregnancy Test Strips Kit 4 iProven Pregnancy Test Strips 5 Discreet packaging Pregmate Pregnancy Test Strips 6 EPT Early Pregnancy Test 7 Docalon hCG Pregnancy Test 8 MomMed Pregnancy Test Strips 10 Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test Korin Miller Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. Ashley Martens Ashley Martens is a Wellness Writer based in Chicago, Illinois. Back to TopA white circle with a black border surrounding a chevron pointing up. It indicates 'click here to go back to the top of the page.' Back to Top
This article was medically reviewed by Lauren Demosthenes, MD, OB-GYN, senior medical director at Babyscripts. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Whether you're trying to have a baby or are checking for an unplanned pregnancy, a home pregnancy test can tell you whether you've conceived by measuring the hormone levels in your urine. All pregnancy tests — both urine tests and the blood tests you get at a doctor's office — check for the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, explained David Diaz, MD, reproductive endocrinologist, and fertility expert at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. When choosing an at-home pregnancy test, you'll want to consider price, ease of use, and sensitivity. According to board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Pat Alagia, higher-sensitivity tests (lower mlU/mL) might detect pregnancy earlier. In terms of ease of use, some tests are mid-stream, meaning you insert them into your flow of urine, while others need to be dipped into the sample cup. Consider the time it takes to see a result, too; some tests provide results in as little as a minute, while others take upwards of five. Below are five of the best pregnancy tests available, including budget-friendly test strips and those that produce quick results. You'll also find answers to a few FAQs at the end of this guide. Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches health products. Here are the best pregnancy testsBest overall:
First Response Early Result, available at Amazon, $12.98 Best test strips:
Pregmate Pregnancy Test Strips, available at Amazon, $21.95 Best digital test:
Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test with Smart Countdown, available at
Amazon, $27.45 Best quick test:
First Response Rapid Result, available at Amazon, $7.99 Best multi-use:
Clearblue Pregnancy Test Combo Pack, available at Amazon, $16.94 Best pregnancy test overallAmazonThe First Response Early Result is ideal for testing before your missed period. What we like: Highly sensitive, provides results in just three minutes Check out any online trying-to-conceive (TTC) community, and you'll see references to First Response Early Result (FRER) tests. It's many people's favorite pregnancy test for a variety of reasons. First, it's one of the most sensitive pregnancy tests on the market (one study found it can detect levels as low as 6.3 mIU/mL), meaning it can pick up hCG as early as six days before your missed period. To use the test, all you have to do is dip it in a cup of collected urine for five seconds or hold it in your urine stream for five seconds, then read the result after three minutes — a relatively short wait time compared to other tests. This test is a bit pricier than most test strips, but you do get three tests in a package which is a great value for this type of test. Best pregnancy test stripsAmazonThe Pregmate Pregnancy Test Strips are a great option if you're on a budget and trying to conceive. What we like: 100 tests in a pack, sensitive, results in five minutes Pregnancy test strips are essentially the same as tests that come in plastic casing, minus the extra bulk. That makes tests like these ideal if you're traveling, testing at work, or otherwise need a low-profile pregnancy test option. With a sensitivity of 25 mIU/mL, Pregmate's test strips are still able to pick up hCG before your missed period. Because you get so many tests in one package, you'll be set for double-checking your results or testing across many cycles. In fact, if you're just starting your TTC journey, this multipack can ensure you have enough tests to see you through many months of "trying." Just dip the strip into collected urine for three to five seconds, then read the results in five minutes. Best digital pregnancy testResults on the Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test with Smart Countdown are displayed in words for quick answers. What we like: Easy to read, results in one to three minutes, comes in a pack Whether you're hoping for a positive or a negative, a digital pregnancy test is a good option if you just want to know whether or not you're pregnant ASAP, and don't want to spend time reading into the presence of one or two lines. The test can be used from five days before your missed period, and has a sensitivity of 25mIU/mL. To use this test, you hold it in your stream of urine for five seconds or dip it in a cup of collected urine for 20 seconds. After one to three minutes, you'll see the result displayed on the screen as "Pregnant" or "Not pregnant." As a nice bonus for those who are trying to conceive, the digital display will show the word "Pregnant" for six months, in case you want to show it to someone else, or use it in a pregnancy announcement. Another plus: This test is sold in packs of five, so you won't need to buy more for at least a couple of months. Best rapid pregnancy testAmazonGet your results in just one minute with the First Response Rapid Result. What we like: Fast results, comes in a two-pack Taking a pregnancy test can bring up a lot of emotions. For some, waiting for results is just too much to handle. That's when a rapid option like the First Response Rapid Result Pregnancy Test can be extra helpful. The only potential downside of this test is that it's less sensitive, so it can only be used from the day of your missed period. Still, many people don't think to test for pregnancy before they miss their period, so this may not necessarily be a con depending on your situation. This test also comes in a two-pack so you can double-check your results. Best multi-use pregnancy testAmazonThis Clearblue Pregnancy Test Combo Pack includes two digital tests and two rapid detection line tests. What we like: Includes two digital tests and two rapid tests, get results in as little as a minute, sensitive Experts recommend double-checking your pregnancy test results on different days to confirm the results, whether positive or negative. And sometimes, even if you've already tested twice, you might want to test again just for reassurance. The Clearblue Pregnancy Test Combo Pack is especially convenient for these situations since it includes two digital tests and two rapid line tests. The digital tests deliver results within three minutes, while the rapid line tests can show results in as little as one minute (or up to three minutes if you're doing the test before your missed period). Both tests are sensitive enough to be used up to five days before your missed period. Pregnancy test FAQsWhen is the best time to take a pregnancy test?Dr. Diaz recommends waiting a minimum of 10 days after ovulation, or 28 days from the start of your last period, before taking a pregnancy test. It's worth noting that the earlier you take a pregnancy test, the more likely you are to get a false negative, Dr. Alagia adds, as hormone levels haven't gotten high enough to be detectable. How do I read pregnancy test results?Always read the instruction insert that comes with the pregnancy tests you've purchased. With a line test, there will be a test line and a control line. The control line shows up to confirm the test is working. The test line only shows up when hCG is detected. Sometimes, these two lines are shown as two parallel lines. Other times, they may be two crossed lines. And remember: Home pregnancy tests are qualitative. That means if the test line comes up at all — even if it's relatively faint — you are currently pregnant. (False positives can happen, but they're not common. Also, see the question about a positive result followed by a negative result below.) Digital tests are somewhat easier to read in the sense that they'll display the words "Pregnant" or "Not pregnant," making interpretation simple. What should I do if I get a positive result?Repeat the test in two or three days to confirm. "If you document two positive home pregnancy tests, visit your healthcare professional to verify the result with a quantitative hCG blood level test," Dr. Diaz recommends. What should I do if I get a negative result?If you tested early, you may want to repeat the test after your missed period. "False negatives are more common than false positives, so if you think you are pregnant and have a negative result, wait a few days and test again," Dr. Alagia says. A line may also sometimes appear after a negative test due to evaporation. If you're unsure if the test is actually negative or not, take another test or consult your doctor. What does it mean if I get a positive result followed by a negative result?"As many as 50 percent of positive early home pregnancy tests revert to negative when repeated a few days later," Dr. Diaz says. This is known as a chemical pregnancy. Chemical pregnancies aren't unusual, and while they can be extremely upsetting, they're very common. They also don't mean a person can't eventually have a healthy pregnancy, according to Dr. Diaz. If you get a positive result with a test that has a sensitivity of 25mIU/ml or higher, Dr. Diaz says, there's a better chance the pregnancy will continue. I saw someone else's pregnancy test result online, and it looks darker than mine/different from mine. Should I be worried?When you first get a positive pregnancy test, it can be tempting to compare your results to others. This is a big no-no, according to Dr. Diaz. "Each pregnancy is different, and comparing pregnancy test results with other people may lead to confusion and unnecessarily stressful situations." If you're concerned about your pregnancy test results, check in with your healthcare provider ASAP. Does taking HCG injections impact a pregnancy test?Sometimes, yes. Someone taking HCG injections may find that a pregnancy test they take produces a false positive. What should I consider when buying a pregnancy test?The good news when buying pregnancy tests is that they're most comparable to each other. "Most of the variation is related to packaging, ease of use, and ease of displaying results, rather than accuracy, although some tests advertise higher sensitivity, which may make it more likely to detect earlier pregnancies," Dr. Alagia explains. It's also important to choose a test that you can afford, and that has clear instructions you can easily follow, Dr. Alagia says. For some, digital tests may be easier to use and interpret, while others find line tests simpler to use. When it comes to line tests, there are two main types: Those with pink dye and those with blue dye. Anecdotally, some say pink dye tests are easier to interpret, but this is largely down to personal preference. Another key tip is to make sure your test is not beyond the expiration date, Dr. Alagia says, as expired tests may not work as intended. Our experts
Julia Malacoff Freelance Writer Julia Malacoff is a freelance health writer and editor based in London. She holds a BA in Art History from Wellesley College, and is a European Registry of Exercise Professionals (EREPS) Level 4 certified personal trainer and Precision Nutrition Level 1 nutrition coach. Malacoff's work experience includes writing, reporting, and editing for dozens of top publications, including Shape, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Fast Company, Popsugar, Reader's Digest, Healthline, Real Simple, and Parents, as well as leading brands in the health and wellness space like Equinox, Precision Nutrition, Eddie Bauer, Under Armour, and Aveeno. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read less Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at . LoadingSomething is loading. More... |
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