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Testing have you overwhelmed? We've got your back!



Hey Tranquility Tribe! When the excitement of a possible pregnancy rolls around, you want to be sure you’re getting the most accurate result when it comes to a pregnancy test. With so many tests lining the aisles of any given drugstore or supermarket, it can be overwhelming trying to find a test that you can trust. Today, we’re going to break down what goes into an accurate home pregnancy test so you can be ready next time that you’re in need! 

While digital and traditional both detect pregnancy the same way - by detecting the presence of a hormone produced by an embryo, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), in urine. Digital tests can detect it at a lower level than traditional tests, meaning they may able to detect a pregnancy earlier. Digital and traditional tests differ also in the way that the test results are displayed. With traditional tests, you get the one line or two lines to indicate the results like you see in movies, while digital test results are displayed in plain English - “pregnant” or “not pregnant.” 

If going with a traditional test, look for a type that displays the results in a dark color rather than pink, as this will make the results easier to distinguish. Whether you go with digital or traditional, tests are always more accurate the further out you wait to take them. The best time to take it is at least five days after you expected to get your period, as the levels of hCG in your body should be high enough to not give a false-negative by then. 

When it comes to accuracy, you’re as likely to get a positive from a one dollar test as compared to a thirty dollar one - as long as your hCG levels are high enough! A more expensive pregnancy makes a difference only when you are trying to take a test as early as possible, as the more expensive tests can detect lower levels of hCG.

Regardless of what test you go with, you should make an appointment with your doctor ASAP if you believe you are pregnant so that they can confirm the results!



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