Experts say to consider the following when buying a home pregnancy test:

  • The most sensitive tests currently detect about 15 to 25 mIU of hCG, corresponding to detection of pregnancy within about a day of a missed period for 90% of women. For most women, the more sensitive, the better.
  • "One-step" kits are generally considered the most convenient to use. Most can either be held briefly in the urine stream or dipped into a collection cup.
  • Test results may be easier or more difficult to read, depending on the design. A fair degree of contrast between the line or symbol and the background is important. Evaporation lines can make the test more difficult to interpret. This is a common complaint with ALL pregnancy tests -- that interpretation is not foolproof, even with digital kits.
  • If you think you may need a second test (for example, if your periods are irregular or you're testing very soon after a missed period), a double package is generally a better buy than paying separately for a second kit.
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