If you’ve ever shopped for pregnancy tests online or in-store, you may have noticed the wide variety of options. You would see simple test strips, traditional analog tests, and digital tests.

All tests do the same thing: detect the presence of the hormone hCG, which is only present in the body during pregnancy. 

Digital tests might be more reliable in certain circumstances. Keep reading for more details.

Timing Is Everything

The main difference between a digital test and a traditional test is the sensitivity to detecting the hormone hCG, which is how a pregnancy test registers whether or not you are pregnant.

It takes about six to ten days after conception for a fertilized egg to implant in the wall of the uterus. At this time, the placenta will begin to form, produce hCG, and release hCG into a woman’s blood and urine.

While traditional pregnancy tests often claim to detect hCG at a level of 25 mIU/ml, a digital pregnancy test, like Clearblue Early Digital Pregnancy Test, can detect hCG at 10 mlU/ml. 

This means if you are very early in your pregnancy and you have not yet missed your period, a digital pregnancy test may be able to deliver a positive result sooner.

A study also found that a Clearblue digital pregnancy test was more accurate than five other over-the-counter brands of non-digital home pregnancy tests at 25 mlU/ml as well.

Testing at the Right Time

Even though digital pregnancy tests are typically more sensitive and accurate, if you take a home pregnancy test a day after your missed period, both types of tests should provide an accurate result.

It’s tempting to purchase the test that claims to provide the earliest result, but even digital tests can get it wrong if you test too early. 

Every woman’s timeline looks a little different. If implantation took a little longer for one woman, her hCG levels may not be high enough for a positive result yet, even if she follows the early test’s timing recommendations.

The Wait Is Almost Over

If you are wondering whether or not you are pregnant right now, the wait is almost over. Your period will either come or not come in a few weeks. If you miss your period, you can test with confidence using either a digital or a traditional test.

You can also visit Hope Women’s Center in McKinney, TX, for free and confidential pregnancy testing. If positive, we can schedule a free ultrasound appointment.

Schedule online today.