All pregnancy tests aren’t equal. From one brand to the next, you’ll see variations that may make one test preferable to another. Continue reading to learn about Walgreens One Step Analog Pregnancy Test hCG sensitivity and what it means to you.
Simply put, hCG is an abbreviation for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that’s associated with pregnancy.
When you become pregnant, your hCG level increases and is, eventually, discoverable in your urine.
Over-the-counter pregnancy tests, such as the Walgreens analog product, help you find out if you’re pregnant by measuring the concentration of hCG in your urine. This particular test comes in the form of a “stick” that you can insert into your urine stream.
Some OTC pregnancy tests come in the form of a test cassette. These require you to collect a urine sample in a clean cup. Afterward, you must use a dropper to apply your urine to the test strip.
You need to know that Walgreens has two different One Step Pregnancy Tests. The first, is a “plus or minus” (+/-) test that displays a “plus” sign alongside a control line if you’re pregnancy.
Walgreens’ other One Step Test is the One Step Analog Pregnancy test. This product will display two pink lines as a positive result.
Walgreens One Step Analog Pregnancy Test hCG Sensitivity
The sensitivity of OTC pregnancy tests varies by product. Many low-cost pregnancy tests have a sensitivity of 25 mIU/ml, which suffices to confirm pregnancy on the day of your expected period.
An early result test, such as the Walgreens Analog, will react to a smaller amount of hCG. Therefore, you can test six days sooner (5 days before your expected period).
According to Syntron Bioresearch, the manufacturer of the Walgreens One Step Analog Pregnancy Test, the hCG sensitivity of the test is 10 mIU/ml.
What’s good about Walgreens One Step Analog Pregnancy Test hCG Sensitivity
The high degree of sensitivity helps you find out early if you’re pregnant. Rather than wait for the first day of your expected period, you can test six days sooner. The early notice can help you start planning your future.
What’s bad about the hCG sensitivity of the Walgreens Analog One Step test?
Reduced accuracy
When you test early for pregnancy, you sacrifice accuracy. So, when you test on the first day of your missed period, you have an accuracy of over 99%.
Testing six days sooner (five days before your expected period), lowers the accuracy of your result to 71%.
The image below shows you how testing early affects the accuracy of the One Step Analog Pregnancy Test.
False Positives
If you normally have an above average level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your system, you could receive a false positive result because of the sensitivity of the One Step Analog test.
Certain fertility treatments and medical conditions can also cause you to have a high hCG level without being pregnant.
Our recommendation
If you’re willing to accept the potential downside of using an early result test, you’ll love the Walgreens One Step Analog Pregnancy Test.
The test provides an exceptional sensitivity rating at a value price. Even better, you can find the test at any Walgreens store.
Do you have questions?
Refer all questions about your health, pregnancy, and pregnancy test results to a doctor or similar qualified health professional.
CPG Health does not provide medical advice.
Learn More
You can learn more about Walgreens Pregnancy Tests by clicking on the below links.
- Who Manufactures Walgreens Pregnancy Tests?
- Walgreens One Step Analog Pregnancy Test Instructions
- Walgreens One Step Analog Pregnancy Test Reviews
- Walgreens One Step Analog Pregnancy Test Pink Dye
- Walgreens One Step Analog Pregnancy Test False Positive
- Does Walgreens Sell Pregnancy Tests?
- Pregnancy Test Walgreens: One Step, Digital Combo