How to Buy a Pregnancy Test

The possibility of pregnancy can cause feelings of anxiety or excitement. A home pregnancy test can help you find the results you’re expecting. New technology allows you to check your pregnancy test results before you miss your period. The pregnancy test detects a hormone called hCG, which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. ^{[1] X Research Sources} Menstrual duration and personal finances affect the type and quantity of pregnancy test strips you purchase.

Table of Contents

Choose the right pregnancy test

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Count the number of days to the predicted menstrual cycle. Determine what stage of your menstrual cycle you are in and how sensitive the pregnancy test should be. Are you late for your period prediction? ^{[2] X Sources of Research} Some pregnancy tests claim to detect pregnancy for 5 days before the expected period, but many studies show that very few pregnancy tests are accurate before due date. prediction period. ^{[3] X Research Source} False negative results are likely to occur any time you test before your predicted period. ^{[4] X Research Sources} Pregnancy test strips are 99% accurate when you take them at least 1 week after the first day of your predicted period.

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Understand how pregnancy tests determine pregnancy results. Many manufacturers label pregnancy tests based on their sensitivity to the hormone hCG. If tested early, it’s a good idea to look for strips that can detect hCG in milli-international units per milliliter of urine. It is denoted by mlU/ml. For example, a test strip that detects hCG levels at 20mlU/ml is more sensitive than a test strip that detects at 50mlU/ml. Therefore, if you are testing early, it is advisable to look for a probe that detects hCG levels at lower mIU/ml. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

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Choose whether to buy a traditional stick or an electronic stick. Electronic sticks are easier to read with words appearing indicating “pregnant” or “not pregnant”. Some types of electronic sticks also estimate how many weeks pregnant you are. These sticks are more expensive than traditional sticks. The traditional type of pregnancy test has a long line where 1 or 2 colored lines will appear. Basically, 1 line means not pregnant; 2 lines means pregnant. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Consider buying an electronic stick as an alternative in case you cannot read a traditional stick.

Buy a pregnancy test

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Find a seller of pregnancy test strips. Now that you know the type of test strip you want, determine where you can buy or use test strips. Pharmacies and drugstores, along with grocery stores, supermarkets, and even dollar changers, all sell pregnancy tests. If you are comfortable with buying sticks, you can buy them in the neighborhood. If not, consider going to another neighborhood. Online retailers can also discreetly deliver test strips to your doorstep. Your doctor may also give you test strips. If you are unable to purchase test strips or find it difficult to purchase one, the maternity support center often offers free test strips. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Compare prices. If price is an issue, visit a nearby store or search online to compare prices. The price of pregnancy test strips can vary significantly so if you have time, consider the price. Specifically, if you’re planning to buy multiple test strips, it’s a good idea to check the price difference. In addition, some branded test strips are made by the same manufacturer, so the branded test strips will be of the same quality. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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Decide how many test strips to buy. Depending on your needs and budget, consider buying at least 2 test strips at a time. Although the first stick will give the correct result, sometimes the sticks also have errors. ^{[9] X Research Source} Many early pregnancy test users buy multiple strips so they can confirm results when their predicted period is coming. Plus, if you’re hoping to get pregnant and want to test daily or weekly, buy multiple boxes at a discounted price.

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Check the expiration date on the test strip’s box before purchasing. Make sure the test strip is still valid. If the test strip is about to expire, buy another one. It is important that the pregnancy test strip is not expired. If you end up buying a test strip and don’t use it by the expiration date, throw it away. ^{[10] X Research Source}

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Buy a pregnancy test. If you’re comfortable buying a stick at the drugstore, buy it. Self-checkout counters are another great solution in many of today’s major drugstores. You just need to scan the product and pay. No one needs to know what you’re buying. However, remember that there is nothing to be shy about buying a pregnancy test regardless of your age or relationship status.

If you’re uncomfortable or worried about others seeing you buy a pregnancy test, ask a friend to buy it for you. If you’re not going with her, make sure you give her all the information she needs to buy the right stick. You can also make an appointment with your doctor and then take the test strip.

Advice

If it’s time for your period, a traditional stick may be appropriate.
If you’re trying to get pregnant and know when you’re ovulating, the electronic stick is capable of determining whether you’re pregnant or 5-6 days before your predicted period is late.
If you’re confused about your pregnancy test results, consider taking a picture of the test results, or bring the used one to your doctor so they can help explain it to you.

Steps

Choose the right pregnancy test

Buy a pregnancy test

Advice

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