Pregnancy tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine samples. Shortly after conception, hCG is secreted by a developing placenta. Accurate detection of hCG in a pregnant woman can occur as early as 6 days after conception once the level of hCG has reached 5-50 mIU/mL. The initials mIU/mL stands for milli International Units per milli Liter.
When comparing pregnancy tests, it is important to understand that the more sensitive the test is to hCG, the better. Some tests detect hCG with a sensitivity as low as 20 mIU/mL. Results take only minutes and you can use the test any time of the day.
Comparison Chart
The lower the mIUs, the better
Confirm 1-Step 25 mIUs hCG
One Step Be Sure 25 mIUs hCG
E.P.T. 40 mIUs hCG
Clearblue Easy 50 mIUs hCG
Generic: Rite-Aid, Target 50 mIUs hCG
Answer 100 mIUs hCG
Equate (Wal-Mart) 100 mIUs hCG
First Response 100 mIUs hCG
Precise 100 mIUs hCG
QTest 100 mIUs hCG
Store Brand: Walgreens 100 mIUs hCG
