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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Expert Say Yes, Depending on Brand
Although many brands of home pregnancy tests (HPT) claim to be accurate around 25 mIU/ml of hCG, a 2005 study reported in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association found that only one brand, First Response Early Result, was accurate below 25 mIU.
On the Other: Experts Say No
A 2004 study reported in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology tested 18 brands of HPTs and found that only 44 percent gave accurate, clear positive readings even at levels up to 100 mIU.
Bottom Line
Only one HPT is accurate at levels as low as 20 mIU, according to medical studies. First Response Early Result showed positive results at levels as low as 6.5 mIU, and it is the brand to be used if very early results are important. Other brands may give a false negative at this level.
Source:
"J Am Pharm Assoc;"Sensitivity of Over theounter Pregnancy Tests; L Cole et al; 2005
Home Pregnancy Tests May be Less Sensitive Than Claims Suggest; Laurie Barclay, M.D. 2004
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