Standard Pregnancy Tests

Most sensitive standard pregnancy tests

First Response Early Result (*Est. $12 for two-strip kit) in a pack with two tests is ranked first by two of the best review sources we found. It consistently detected 12.5 mIU of hCG in independent testing, making it the most likely test on the market to detect pregnancy on the first day of a missed period (95% of the time in product testing). First Result is claimed by the manufacturer to detect 15 to 25 mIU of hCG, but both sources say that First Response even detected hCG levels as low as 6.3 and 6.5, soon after implantation -- even before a missed period. First Response is also available in three-strip kits (*Est. $19).

We found a few consumers posting at Epinions who say that First Response Early Result didn't work because they tested negative before or at the time of their missed period, then tested positive a few days later. Keep in mind that in 10% of pregnant women, implantation hasn't occurred yet at the time of a missed period (so no pregnancy test will be positive). We found just as many complaints about First Response Early Result as we did for all other tests.

Because of this, experts say it's a good idea to get a kit with two testing strips and to wait a week between each test. Clearblue Easy +/- Results (*est. $18) has three strips for about the same expense as First Response above and detects 25 mIU of hCG. In product testing, Clearblue comes in second to First Response, detecting pregnancy on the first day of a missed period 80% of the time.

Fact Plus pregnancy tests used to be less sensitive than some, testing at 150 to 250 mIU. However, according to the Pregnancy Test Sensitivity Chart on the BabyHopes website, Fact Plus pregnancy tests, and almost all pregnancy tests, are more sensitive now than in the past. Fact Plus Pregnancy Test Stick (*Est. $17 for three tests) detects 25 mIU of hCG. Fact Plus Pregnancy Test Cassette (*est. $20 for two tests) uses a collection cup and a dropper to expose the test cassette to the urine. The cassette detects 40 mIU of hCG.

e.p.t +/- Home Pregnancy Test (*est. $14 for one strip, $17 for two strips) is a well-known brand that gets good reviews from consumers at Epinions, although some dislike the expense. e.p.t detects 25 mIU of hCG. The e.p.t +/- Home Pregnancy Test shows a plus sign if you are pregnant, a minus sign if you are not. Like Clearblue, e.p.t also sells a digital test that reads "pregnant" or "not pregnant."

You might be wondering about store brands, since almost every discount store has them. Store brands such as Target Pregnancy Test Early Result (*est. $10 for three sticks), Rite Aid One Step Pregnancy Test (*est. $13 for three sticks), Walgreens Early Result Pregnancy Test (*est. $13 for two tests) and CVS Early Result Pregnancy Test (*est. $9 for one test) are rated to detect 25 mIU of hCG.

About.com's Pregnancy/Birth Guide, Robin Elise Weiss, recommends Wal-Mart's Equate Pregnancy Test (*est. $8, two-pack), saying, "It's a great, inexpensive pregnancy test kit," with separate control and testing windows and a cap to cover the absorbent tip. Equate is available in 25 mIU (white cap) and 100 mIU (purple cap), and reviewers warn to check carefully so you know which one you're getting. Some Equate samples failed to work in product testing, or took longer to work than stated by the manufacturer, but FertilityPlus.org has this to say: "The Equate brand switched manufacturers a couple of years ago. The older test had a significant online reputation for false positives, while the newer tests, manufactured by LifeCare, appear as reliable as most other brands (most brands get some reports of false positives). The main comment the test still gets is to beware of evaporation lines and read the test, like all brands, within the time limit listed in the instructions."

FertilityPlus.org has a helpful comparison chart of each brand and detection levels, along with manufacturer information. BabyHopes.com also has a comparison chart of detection levels that is more up to date. Keep in mind that for some women, a less sensitive test is actually better. Those who are currently taking hormone drugs (check with your doctor) may want a less sensitive test to avoid false positives. However, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find such less sensitive tests (such as Wal-Mart's purple-capped Equate test).