Positive[ly] wrecked

More expensive tests often have features that don’t increase the accuracy of the actual test strip- but they increase the accuracy of the average non scientific user- the aforementioned larger range of testing windows, digital or other displays that reduce the chance for the user to misinterpret the reading of the test strip, and of features such as allowing you to urinate directly on the test (along with a handy well designed case to help you do this) instead of submersing the test in urine.

Many of these features also offer users convenience and “peace of mind” and also include things like “faster results” taking less time to show a positive or negative result. Some newer tests will even have a third digital read out and a method to detect if the test was done wrong or the results are inconclusive- and tell you that you need to re test.

Ultimately- the actual test strips aren’t so different with the biggest differences being what is mentioned- newer and more expensive tests tend to take less time to show results- largely just an “anti anxiety” comfort to those who feel a need to know NOW. Less than a generation ago- the testing strips could take over a day to give results! To most people who have ever felt a need to know they are pregnant- either because they want or don’t want to be- a day to find out seems an eternity- but in most all cases- there isn’t a practical difference between 3 minutes, 30 minutes, or 24 hours if you are pregnant or not. This is just for “peace of mind.”

So at the doctor- it doesn’t really matter what test they use for urine. They are all “up to 99% accurate.” The doctor will mostly favor cheap. They aren’t in a huge rush to get your results. Wether they tell you in office that day, or call you. If you’re at the doctor taking a pregnancy test- you probably at the least have missed a period or even 2 or more. You likely already took a home test. They’ll try to schedule you early in the day usually and may ask you not to pee or drink a lot before the appointment. The test will be done by medical professionals to lab standards and so the convenience and other features designed to help lay folks get an accurate result aren’t needed.

Plus- again- you’ve likely already missed periods or had symptoms and it’s likely been awhile- maybe a week or months. So the levels of pregnancy hormone detected by the test will likely be somewhat high in your system and make an easier test. If they get a positive they’ll do a blood test which is very accurate. So really- they’re just looking for justification to do the blood test and unless you’re obviously pregnant- they aren’t going to rely on the pee test for your results. So for them it really doesn’t matter either way.

If you pee positive at home- you’re probably going to the doctor. You’ll want a blood test or other testing to confirm the results, and you’ll hopefully be getting care through your pregnancy. If you home test negative... you might call that case closed unless you start getting pregnancy symptoms. Or you might do a couple more tests over the coming days and weeks. Some people will still go to the doctor even if they test negative at home- because they want to be SURE.

So then- is the $1 test “just as good” as a more expensive test? That depends on you. It’s like the Apple vs Android debate for pee tests. If you want some extra “user proofing” in the design, some extra “quality of life features” and don’t mind a price tag that’s much higher- you’ll likely want to stick with the more expensive tests. If you are confident you can use the tests correctly and don’t mind that they don’t have all the bells and whistles and “guardrails,” then the cheaper tests will do just fine.

From an economic point of view- if you plan to or need to test often, if you want to do multiple follow up tests to confirm a positive or negative before going to a doctor: the cheaper tests are a better value assuming you do them correctly and can wait a few more minutes to get your results each time.

If you WANT a a baby and are worried about miscarriage etc- you can use analog home tests regularly to see that the “lines” progressively darker with the increasing pregnancy hormone in your urine- and the $1 test is clearly the cost winner here.

If you are the sort of person who is only planning to test once if you get a negative- a more expensive test may be a better buy because it’s increased sensitivity and “guardrails” against user error can produce a better result for a SINGLE test. If you’re going to see the doctor either way if the test says positive or not- then it is not really logical to do a home test at all since you won’t believe the results until the doctor gives them to you. So who which test is “best” for and when- depends.

Please also be aware that grime tests DO expire. You can use them for some time after the expiration- but your results may not be as accurate and the sensitivity- the ability of the test to detect the hormone- will be reduced. So if you are very early in a pregnancy, if you are outside the optimum window for testing, if you’re urine is diluted or your body just doesn’t produce as much hormone- an expired test can miss a positive. So do check the dates in your tests and use your best judgment to make a decision that is right for you!

Oh! And one last note on sensitivity- the box will (should) tell you the minimum hormone level it requires to detect pregnancy. Cheaper tests often cannot detect hormones at very low levels (like very early in pregnancy, in diluted urine, etc.) You can get a false negative this way- but more expensive tests that detect the hormone at lower concentrations can sometimes throw a false positive by detecting small amounts of hormone that aren’t an actual indicator of pregnancy. So the less sensitive test can be a way to be pretty sure you’re pregnant if it’s been awhile and you already suspect you are- but taken early can get false negatives. The more sensitive test can be a way to tell if you got pregnant last week but it can also throw a false positive. Neither is perfect.

Tl:dr- in the USA all legally sold tests will be “up to 99% accurate” if used to the directions. The $1 tests tend to lack design features for SENSITIVITY and CONVENIENCE- not ACCURACY. The more expensive tests often have features designed to make them easier to use and read, and also less “finicky” to use- which increases the overall usefulness of the test to people who don’t follow the directions closely. Doctors do not really need these features and will generally follow up a positive urinary test with a blood test that will be very accurate. $1 tests are generally fine tools- like any tool they do some things better or worse, and the user largely determines which tool is best for their needs.