Pregnancy Test Sensitivity Comparison
Choosing a Sensitive Pregnancy Test
Pregnancy tests vary in how early they can detect the pregnancy hormone, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). Generally, the lower the “hCG detected” number, the sooner the test can pick up on pregnancy. In early pregnancy, hCG levels are usually between 5 - 50 mIU/mL about a week before your period is due and typically double every two to three days. So, a test with a low hCG threshold can help detect pregnancy sooner. But how early a test detects pregnancy depends on both its sensitivity and your unique hCG production timeline.
Should I Go for the Most Sensitive Pregnancy Test?
For many, the answer is, “Yes!” Extra-sensitive tests give us the chance to know as early as possible if we’re pregnant. But with highly sensitive tests, there’s also the chance of detecting pregnancies that don’t last. Roughly 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, typically very early on. Sensitive tests can detect hCG from these early pregnancies, which sometimes resolve naturally. For some, this knowledge is empowering, but for others, it can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Think about how you might feel about early testing and if you’re prepared for all possible outcomes.
Pregnancy Test Sensitivity Chart
| Test Name | Lowest hCG detected |
| First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test | As low as 6.5 mIU |
| Wondfo Pregnancy Test Strip | 25 mIU |
| Accuclear Pregnancy Test | 25 mIU |
| Answer Early Result Pregnancy Test | 25 mIU |
| Clearblue Easy Plus +/- | 25 mIU |
| Clearblue Easy Digital | 25 mIU |
| Clear Choice w/ Cup | 25 mIU |
| Confirm 1-Step Pregnancy Test | 25 mIU |
| CVS Digital | 25 mIU |
| CVS Early Result Pregnancy Test | 25 mIU |
| Dollar Store Brand (mini-strip, cassette, & midstream) | 25 mIU |
| Early Detect | 25 mIU |
| e.p.t. +/- Test | 25 mIU |
| e.p.t. Digital Test | 25 mIU |
| Equate +/- (Wal-mart) | 25 mIU |
| Equate Pregnancy Test (Wal-mart) | 25 mIU |
| Fact Plus + / - | 25 mIU |
| One Step Be Sure Pregnancy Test | 25 mIU |
| Right Aid Pregnancy Test | 25 mIU |
| Target Brand / Up & Up Pregnancy Test | 25 mIU |
| Walgreen Midstream Pregnancy Test | 25 mIU |
| Walgreen Digital | 25 mIU |
| Fact Plus Cassette | 40 mIU |
| CVS One-Step | 50 mIU |
| CVS "Early Result" Cassette Pregnancy Test | 50 mIU |
| Drug Emporium Brand Pregnancy Test | 50 mIU |
| early Pregnancy test | 50 mIU |
| Eckerd One Step | 50 mIU |
| Walgreens Cassette Pregnancy Test | 50 mIU |
| Answer Lab Pregnancy Strips | Unknown, 99% accurate from day of missed period |
Tips for Testing
- Test First Thing in the Morning: Morning urine tends to have the highest concentration of hCG.
- Follow the Instructions Closely: Timing and how you read the results vary between brands, so double-check the directions.
- Avoid Drinking Too Much Water Before Testing: This can dilute your urine, potentially affecting the accuracy.
- If Testing Early, Use a Sensitive Test: Look for tests with low hCG thresholds, as these are best for early detection.
- Be Prepared for Mixed Emotions: Whether it’s a positive or negative, testing can bring on unexpected feelings—so be gentle with yourself!
Testing Myths
Myth 1: Drinking lots of water will make it easier to test.
- Truth: This actually dilutes your urine, making it harder for the test to detect hCG. Best to test with your first morning urine.
Myth 2: Testing before a missed period is always accurate.
- Truth: Testing too early may not be 100% accurate, even with sensitive tests. Implantation and hCG production vary from person to person, so a negative might simply mean it’s too early.
Myth 3: A faint positive means it’s not a real pregnancy.
- Truth: Even a faint line can indicate pregnancy, as long as it appears within the time specified on the instructions. If you see a faint line, it’s best to test again in a few days to confirm.
How hCG Works and Timing of Implantation
Once a fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining, your developing placenta—not the uterine lining itself—begins producing hCG. Implantation timing varies: it usually happens 6-12 days after ovulation, with most pregnancies implanting around days 8-10. This timing affects when hCG starts to rise in your system. Testing too early might lead to a negative result, even if you’re pregnant, simply because implantation and hCG production haven’t kicked in enough for the test to detect it. Testing again in a couple of days often gives clearer results.
If You Get a Negative Pregnancy Test Result
If you test negative but still feel you might be pregnant, try not to stress. You might have ovulated or implanted later than expected, which can delay hCG production. Waiting a few days and testing again often gives a more accurate result. A good rule of thumb: if your period doesn’t arrive, it may be worth testing again.
What to Keep in Mind
When picking a pregnancy test, think about how soon you want to know and what feels right for you. A lower hCG sensitivity can detect pregnancy sooner, but it also comes with potential emotional ups and downs. If your period doesn’t arrive, waiting a day or two to test again can often give clearer answers. And if you have questions or feel unsure, your healthcare provider is always there to help you interpret the results and guide you through this journey.