Home pregnancy tests use urine or blood to detect the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. The hormone is created by the placenta and enters in the blood as soon as the embryo attaches to the uterus, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Urine home pregnancy tests are very accurate and that false positives are rare. The blood tests done in a doctor's office can detect pregnancies within a few days of a missed period; the urine tests take a bit longer to detect the hormone.
e.p.t. Plus Pregnancy Test
The e.p.t. test is manufactured by Warner-Lambert Co. The test measures hormone levels above 40 mIU of hCG, so that the test can be used the first day of a missed period. As with most pregnancy tests, the results are based on using first morning urine, as this contains the largest amount of concentrated hormones. This test has a separate control window. Sold in a two pack, the product retails for $15 to $20 as of August 2010.
Clear Blue Easy Digital Pregnancy Test
The Clear Blue Digital pregnancy test detects hCG levels over 50 mIU. A three-pack costs between $18 and $21 for a three pack as of August 2010. This test boasts a digital display that was created to be easier to read than the lines used by most other tests. The words Pregnant or Not Pregnant appear in the display window. The results are shown in at least three minutes. The test is purported to be 99 percent accurate from the day of an expected period.
Answer Early Results Pregnancy Test
The Answer home pregnancy test detects levels of hCG over 25 mIU, making it one of the most sensitive tests according to Consumer Reports. Manufactured by Church and Dwight, the test costs about $10 for three test strips as of August 2010, making it one of the least expensive tests on the market. Two lines indicate a pregnancy.
First Response Pregnancy Test Kit
The First Response test can be used six days before a missed period. The test results show within three minutes with two pink lines to indicate pregnancy. One line indicates not pregnant. Consumer Reports rated this test as most reliable and sensitive in 2003.This is one of the lowest priced tests, with costs about $12 for a set of three tests as of August 2010.
Confirm 1-Step Home Pregnancy Test
The Confirm 1 Step is sensitive to levels of 25 mIU of hCG. This makes it one of the most sensitive tests on the market. The only drawback of a test this sensitive is that it could also detect hormone levels during a time of miscarriage. Many pregnancies begin with a flush of hormones, but miscarry within a few days and this common occurrence can cause a spike in hormones large enough to trigger a false positive pregnancy test reaction.
