Buzz
Since dollar store items are often cheaper and not known for their high quality, it’s natural to question whether you can trust the results of their low-cost pregnancy tests. Well, the answer might surprise you: yes, you can.
The real question is: why do pregnancy tests cost so much at pharmacies and supermarkets? They can charge anywhere from $10 to $15 or more for a box with just a couple of tests. In reality, the only part you need is the chemically-treated paper that changes color if there’s human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine.
That test strip is inexpensive to make. If you’re after a bargain, consider shopping online. You can find bare-bones tests—essentially like a piece of paper cut from an index card—for next to nothing. Here’s a 20-pack for less than $4.
Does the type of test you buy really matter?
The FDA oversees pregnancy tests and requires manufacturers to prove their effectiveness. Therefore, if a test is legally sold in the US, it’s considered legitimate.
Less expensive pregnancy tests may be trickier to use. Some require you to dip them in a urine sample rather than urinate directly on the stick. Every test also has unique instructions on how and when to interpret the results. If you follow them correctly, a positive result almost always confirms pregnancy, while a negative result might mean you're not pregnant—or that you tested too early.
Some tests are more sensitive than others, but this doesn’t necessarily relate to price. All tests look for hCG in urine, which spikes during early pregnancy. A test that detects 25 units of hCG may give you an early result right when you miss your period, or even a day or two before. A test with a threshold of 50 or 100 units won’t show a result until a few days later.
To determine a test’s sensitivity, check the fine print on the test box or the manufacturer’s website to see what detection threshold they use. (Here’s a chart with some popular brands, though note it was created by a competitor. Always verify with the brand you're purchasing.) If you've missed your period and need a quick answer, a dollar store test should work just as well.
