Pregnancy tests

  How accurate are over the counter pregnancy tests?

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Dear Katie:
Over-the-counter pregnancy tests are very reliable. They have a detection level, 25 mIU/ml, that does not give "false positives". Equally, very early pregnancy levels of the hCG that is measured by the test can be between 5 and 24 mIU/ml and the test will then read negative.
Although the test CAN be positive the day following the missed menstrual period (15 days from ovulation), 3 days following the missed menstrual flow (17 days after ovulation) is the time when the test is highly reliable.
Many women do not know when they ovulated. Hence, if by chance one ovulates on day 16 instead of day 13 and the cycle length becomes 32 days instead of 29 days, the test may register a negative because for that cycle, the testing was done too early.
All kits are regulated for their ability to perform effectively. Some are easier to use and the color is easier to read, according to the nurses with whom I work. They tell me they like Clear Blue Easy, but all the kits work.
Keywords: over the counter/home pregnancy tests
This information is provided for education purposes and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please ask your physician.