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Pregnancy Test Sensitivity and Early-Detection Testing

Pregnancy Test Sensitivity and Early-Detection Testing

Early Pregnancy Tests: How Soon Can I Test for Pregnancy?

HCG pregnancy tests determine pregnancy through the detection of the hormone hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in a woman's urine. In technical terms, hCG is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the developing placenta shortly after a fertilized egg has implanted in the uterine lining.

Clinically speaking, HCG is measured in thousandths of International Units, or mIU. Pregnancy tests with a sensitivity of 20 mIU/ml are more sensitive than tests with 50 to 100 mIU/ml. Test brands will display how sensitive their tests are using mIU as the standard unit of measure. Test sensitivity equates with early-detection - and the lower the number, the sooner a test can detect pregnancy. The most sensitive pregnancy tests can detect hCG levels at as low as 20 mIU - or at around 8 days following implantation of the egg.

Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com is one of the first Internet providers of FDA approved early home pregnancy tests. Tests are affordable, generic, come individually sealed with expiration dates extending two years. Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com also maintains a user-generated photo gallery of positive pregnancy test images.

How Soon Can I Test?

If a woman is pregnant, the amount of hCG in her system should be around 25 mIU at 10 dpo (days past ovulation), 50 mIU at 12 dpo, 100 mIU at around two weeks dpo. Blood tests can determine pregnancy as low as between 5 to 10 mIU/hCG, though with levels of 5 mIU, a conclusive determination cannot be made without risking a "false positive" (as low levels hCG can be present in the body without pregnancy).

Drugstore pregnancy tests generally detect pregnancy at 50 mIU - 100 mIU hCG, though you can find early-detection pregnancy tests on the Internet with sensitivity levels as low as 20 mIU. With all diagnostic products, take care to follow the instructions. Please consult the chart below for a comparison of pregnancy tests:

Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com 20 mIUs hCG
E.P.T. 40 mIUs hCG
Clearblue Easy 50 mIUs hCG
Store Brand: Rite-Aid 50 mIUs hCG
First Response 100 mIUs hCG
Answer 100 mIUs hCG
Store Brand: Equate/WalMart 100 mIUs hCG
QTest 100 mIUs hCG
Store Brand: Walgreens 100 mIUs hCG
Precise 100 mIUs hCG

For earliest detection of pregnancy, use first morning urine, as this sample contains the most concentrated amount of hCG. If using first morning urine is not possible, avoiding urination for several hours before using a pregnancy test. Frequent urination - or a diluted sample - can decrease the amount of hCG in your urine, interfering with early-detection.

What does a faint line on a pregnancy test mean?

On a pregnancy test, a faint test line - or color band - is usually indicative of a positive result, as long as it's read within the allotted time frame - or reaction time of the test (usually at 5-10 minutes). If you do the pregnancy test properly and read it within the recommended time, then a faint and weak line is very likely a positive pregnancy test. Explanations for a faint positive line include:

  • You may be testing too early after conception - the hCG in your body may not be at a sufficient level for test detection. hCG doubles every two days, so wait and test again using first morning urine.
  • Different test sensitivity. As tests detect hCG at different levels, a faint line on one variety of test may appear as a stronger line on a 20 mIU test.
  • Urine dilution. Your urine may be diluted due to frequent urination or consumption of liquids. First morning urine is recommended for pregnancy testing as it contains the most concentrated presence of hCG.
  • Chemical pregnancy. Sometimes, an early pregnancy is detected - followed by negative test results. A chemical pregnancy means implantation takes place followed by a miscarriage - usually before any other pregnancy symptoms are detected.

> Back to Pregnancy Tests

 

Comments

Hi, my girlfriend and I were in bed together last Saturday 7 Nov 2009, I had a condom on and I cum in a condom, but I didn't penetrate her, but the next day in the morning, she believed that maybe some cum slipped out the condom. Her period is due on the 16 Nov (28 day cycle) and she is not on a pill, she missed her period, she did a few urine pregnancy tests including one yesterday 20 Nov, all came out negative. We stressing about this, so much. Do you think that she is pregnant…
Thank you for your help

Anonymous - Nov 20, 2009
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my girlfriend vomited and flu.. yes i do sex her but not i didn't penetrated her, i just stick my dick that's all. But, theres a symptoms she had. Actually i didn't there is no sperm i let let out when i sex her. Can some1 suggest me or help me. i dont want my girlfriend pregnant for not on purpose.. =(

Anonymous - Nov 10, 2009
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Hi, I had unprotected sex with my husband 2 days before ovulation day 1 oct 09.. on the 8th I had some spotting and i tested using a home pregnancy test yesterday which came up as negative.... can i still be pregnant? I am feeling bloated on the stomach..but no other symptoms..

Anonymous - Nov 10, 2009
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Hi- I had unprotected sex with my husband 2 days before my ovulation day ..ovulation day was 1st oct 09..and I noticed some spotting on the 8th of oct 09.. I took a home pregnancy test with sensitivity of 20 miu/ml last night..which showed up as negative..can i still be pregnant??

Anonymous - Nov 10, 2009
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my period was due nov 5th and its been 5days now and no period. i have polysistic ovaries but ive always had regular periods with a 28 day cycle. ive taken two hpt both were negative. ive had cramps in the pelvic area going on 3wks just like period cramps but yet no sign of period. when should i test again and can i still be pregnant just too early to detect.

Anonymous - Nov 09, 2009
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I am on cycle day 28 and 12 days post ovulation and I took a test this am and it was positive. How soon should I call my doctors office to schedule an appointment?

Anonymous - Oct 28, 2009
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I was supposed get my period on oct 22 am late 3days and am never late. Took a pregnacy test yesterday it was negative am so anxious could I still be pregnant.

Anonymous - Oct 25, 2009
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I just read this article, and it was informative and very helpful to me. Thank you! However, I wanted to point out a possible error in some of the information given. I recently bought a 5-ct pack of Clearblue Easy Digital Pregnancy Tests. After doing some research on this website and ordering from Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com, I called the Clearblue Easy helpline and asked how sensitive their tests are (this article was the first I'd found that listed Clearblue Easy in the HPT comparison chart). I was told that my digital tests have a sensitivity of 25 mIU. Granted, your data may be for a different (non-digital?) test than what I bought, but I thought I would let you know what I discovered. I am curious to compare the store bought test results with the tests strips I ordered from Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com. Thanks again for your very informative website!

Jennifer C - Oct 20, 2009
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I started the nuva ring on friday night and had unprotected sex on sunday and monday night ( was on vacation) but now i am reading that it does not go into effect until 7 days after insertion. Can i be pregnant?? and it is already been a week since i inserted the ring so i know its too late for the morning after pill..what to do?

Anonymous - Oct 16, 2009
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Can something show up in a women's blood sample that may point toward conception in as little as 48 hours after sex?

Anonymous - Oct 13, 2009
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First Day of Last Period:
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Note that you are most likely to get pregnant if you time your lovemaking to occur on the days right before - and on - your ovulation date. Keep in mind that the projected ovulation date above is simply a “best guess” estimate based on your cycle date information. The most accurate way to pinpoint your most fertile time is through the use of urine-based ovulation tests or with a fertility monitor. We have partnered with Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com, the Internet’s leading supplier of preconception products since 2001, to offer low-cost, FDA-approved pregnancy and ovulation tests – with free same-day shipping.

 

Now that you’ve calculated your ovulation date using our ovulation calculator, we have a number of other helpful tools you can use to help increase your chances of conceiving.

 

  • Create your own personalized ovulation calendar! You can even provide an email address so that you receive email alerts of your most fertile days, when you can begin testing for pregnancy, and more.
     

  • Create your own personalized fertility chart! This is a highly accurate way to pinpoint your ovulation date that relies primarily on basal temperature charting. (Visit Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com for an accurate, inexpensive basal thermometer.)
     

  • Connect with others at our online community! If you have questions about trying-to-conceive – or if you just want to vent a bit – we have a wonderful, vibrant community of people who’d just love to hear from you.

Find your most fertile time.
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