Pregnancy test: what types are and which is better
Even in the days of our mothers' youth, a woman could find out about the onset of pregnancy only after visiting a gynecologist. And the delay in menstruation became the reason for a visit to him. Now you can find out about the onset of pregnancy without a mandatory visit to the doctor, using a special test.
Types of pregnancy tests
All tests that determine the presence of pregnancy have a certain sensitivity to the amount of the hormone hCG, which becomes an indicator of pregnancy.
According to the principle of operation, all tests can be divided into:
- Ordinary paper tests. These tests come in the form of a thin paper strip treated with a substance that detects the presence of hCG. It is very easy to use it: you collect urine in a jar and dip a strip of dough into it for a short time. After that, wait for the reaction. If two traits appear, you can expect an early addition to the family. Typically, such tests perceive the hCG hormone at a level of 20 to 25 mIU / ml. This is a rather low sensitivity, so it makes sense to apply such a test only after a delay in menstruation.
- A pregnancy cassette is made as a plastic case with a paper strip enclosed in it. There are two holes in the plastic case. In one of them it is necessary to drip urine, and in the other to evaluate the result. This test is more popular. It looks aesthetically pleasing and can be saved for memories. Cassette tests have a sensitivity of the order of 10-25 mIU / ml. Quite a large spread of the parameter. Therefore, if you would like to get a truthful result at an early stage, give preference to the test with a lower sensitivity value.
- The inkjet test is the latest development in this field. The strip of this test is coated with a special reagent that can quickly detect hCG in female urine. To use it, no additional devices are required. It is enough just to bring the test under the stream of urine, then after a minute you will evaluate the result. These tests are more sensitive, they can detect the presence of hCG at a concentration of 10 mIU / ml.
- The e-test is a variation on the previous inkjet test. Its principle of operation is the same. The only difference is that instead of two strips on this test, the term "pregnant" appears, which means "pregnancy."
Best pregnancy tests
Now on the shelves of pharmacies there are so many different pregnancy tests from different manufacturers that it is not surprising to get lost in all this abundance. Let's see which tests are the best.
According to the reviews of women, the following tests can be called the winners of the rating:
Frautest Express Ultrasensitive. This test is highly sensitive. It can be applied even before the expected date of your period. The application procedure is standard for conventional paper dough. An undoubted advantage is its affordable price - about 85 rubles. Another plus is the high degree of accuracy (99%). Of the shortcomings, one can only name the fact that it is necessary to look for a container for urine and then it must be disposed of somewhere. It is not very convenient to do this if you are away from home.
The next test is a test by the same company called Frautest Planing. This is a kit that includes 5 tests to determine ovulation and 2 tests for calculating pregnancy. This also includes 7 containers for urine. The cost of such a set is about 380 rubles. With this kit, you can determine the date of the best day for conception, and then verify that the pregnancy has occurred. This set is suitable for women who dream of a child and planning his conception.
The Clearblue Digital test is highly accurate. Its hit rate is over 99%. In addition to identifying the fact of pregnancy itself, he can also recognize its duration. The calculation of the number of weeks is the same in 92% of cases. The cost of this test is quite high - about 480 rubles. You can use it from the first day of the delay and even a few days before the start monthly... The only drawback of this test is its high cost.
The Evitest Proof test has a tablet or cassette design. It costs about 190 rubles. Its main advantage lies in its design. It distributes urine more evenly over the test strip. In addition, the possibility of contamination of the test material, for example, by accidental touch, is excluded. But on the other hand, you can only use it at home. It is not always possible to fiddle with additional containers and pipettes.
The Premium Diagnostics inkjet test is very easy to use. In addition, it shows a fairly high accuracy - over 99%. Another positive point is the presence of a control window. If a mark appears in this window, then the test was carried out according to all the rules, regardless of the result. And one more advantage - there is no need to collect urine. This test can be safely used both at home and anywhere else.
The most accurate pregnancy test
It is impossible to unequivocally name the most accurate test for determining the presence of pregnancy. Almost all tests of the latest generation have high accuracy rates. Here it is best to build on your own preferences. Some girls like inkjet tests better for their ease of use and reliable results. Others prefer inexpensive paper tests that also perform well.
In any case, the sensitivity of the test should be the guideline. A lower sensitivity value will allow you to determine the likely pregnancy earlier. When buying, pay attention to the instructions. It should be simple and understandable for you. Give preference to manufacturers that have positively established themselves in the market. These include Clearblue, Frautest, Evitest and others. The best quality tests are produced in the United States and Germany.