are dollar store pregnancy tests the same as First Response, EPT, etc?

dukeandduchess · June 2011

Do they all detect the pregnancy hormone the same? Does anyone know what is REALLY different about them? I don't want to spend $20 on a pregnancy test that I will think is wrong, or taken too early anyway.

gingerfamily · June 2011

In my experience, the $$ stre ones don't test + until a few days after a FRER.

Temp36641187503164 · June 2011

They were pretty early for me, I got a + on one the same morning that my beta came back as 13.

I use them to test out my trigger/hcg shot for IUI.

amandafikri · June 2011

Too be honest i think you get what you pay for

dukeandduchess · June 2011

mrsh0606:
In my experience, the $$ stre ones don't test + until a few days after a FRER.

I'm sorry but what does FRER mean?

dukeandduchess · June 2011

amandafikri:
Too be honest i think you get what you pay for

This is what I always go back to thinking!

ABColeslaw · June 2011

I got a very early....like as early as you can test from a dollar store test. The line was faint, and then I went an got a FRER and the line was darker. But it was nice to know I wasn't wasting $$$

samakasrc · June 2011

The dollar store test will give a + if your a few days past your missed period. I got 2 dollar store tests. $2.14 changed my life.

Bianca42 · June 2011

I'm cheap. I'd rather wait an extra day or two and save $20.

We were on vacation when I suspected I was pregnant with DS#1. I ran to the drug store and bought a test that was on clearance. DS#2 I used a dollar store test.

Temp36641187503164 · June 2011

renee1.28.06:
They were pretty early for me, I got a + on one the same morning that my beta came back as 13.

I use them to test out my trigger/hcg shot for IUI.

This was 11 days past O.

knbarr · June 2011

I had to use both for my first pregancy. I took the real cheap one and then wasnt sure what the +_+)_ was telling me (my husband was sure it was telling me I was pregnant, I was not sure )

so we went a bought one that said pregnant or not.

mrsjengle · June 2011

I've always heard that those cheap tests often show a positive/negative earlier than a "regular" name brand test. Even the nurses at the OB office said that.

dmndsr4eva · June 2011

Yes, in my experience the $ store ones are just as accurate for a fraction of the price. When I was trying to get pg I used these and they were all negative for the first 4-5 mths then I got my positive from one on the 5th month.

Gosh, I'd have to bust out my FF chart but I know I got my positive test pretty early on. I think it was about 13 dpo.

[Deleted User] · June 2011

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Shoshi10 · June 2011

I used a few Dollar Sore tests the month we TTC DD, because I liked to test early and didn't want to waste expensive tests. At 11 dpo, I took a dollar test and thought it was neg. 20 minutes later, when I was about to throw it away, I saw the faintest shadow but thought it was an evaporation line (I showed DH and he didn't see anything). I decided to try a FRER just to make sure and it was light, but clearly positive. I don't count on them anymore.

Aimlc1281 · June 2011

I used the Dollar Store tests with my first pregnancy. I got a + on day 12 although it was fairly light. Based on stories I've read on TTC, you most likely won't test + much earlier then that so I'd just stick with the cheapies...especially if you are a POAS addict!

Aimlc1281 · June 2011

cmeon_the_water:
I had a + with my son at 10DPO, and a positive with my daughter at 11DPO (didn't try earlier) with Dollar Tree tests. The only thing that sucks about them is the method- that you have to collect pee and dropper it (unless they've changed!).

This may sound gross but I just cover up the display box with my finger very tightly while I pee directly onto the stick. As long as no urine gets in that display, it'll work fine. I'm too lazy to do multiple steps!

juliane2004 · June 2011

mrsh0606:
In my experience, the $$ stre ones don't test + until a few days after a FRER.

Exactly this for me too.

SugarhillHnA · June 2011

I got a BFP on a FRER and CBE digi at 9DPO with my daughter, but the $ store tests didn't show a BFP until after my missed period at 14 DPO (Yes, i still tested a few times after my initial BFP). I'll pay a few extra dollars (and there are coupons out there) and buy the more expensive tests b/c I'm a testaholic and impatient and don't want to wait so long.

FWIW, I'd worry if you are concerned about dishing out an extra few $ for a pregnancy test are you really ready financially for another baby? It's probably an unpopular opinion and unless you are trying a long time and the money adds up, I'd pay the few extra bucks. Especially, if you test early like me.

SaranJonathan · June 2011

I got a positive on 12 DPO on a dollar store test. I am not about to waste money when we tried for months. It really adds up. Yes you get the same results without the fancy packages. And its not a few extra dollars as PP said. The "name brand" test are about 9 more each where I live. I would rather not throw my money out, it has nothing to do with being able to afford a child or not. Think about it you could test for 4 or 5 days in a row if you are really into testing early, that adds up quickly.

NewFamily09 · June 2011

The name brands might be a little faster, as in you can test earlier. But with our 2nd pregnancy, the test was really just confirmation (we had been TTC and my AF was a week late). We bought the walmart brand kind. I didn't need to spend a lot of money on what I really already knew. But if you are barely pregnant and want results, maybe the name brands really are accurate.

CBL · June 2011

SugarhillHnA:

FWIW, I'd worry if you are concerned about dishing out an extra few $ for a pregnancy test are you really ready financially for another baby? It's probably an unpopular opinion and unless you are trying a long time and the money adds up, I'd pay the few extra bucks. Especially, if you test early like me.

Seriously? What a b!tchy, unhelpful answer. There is nothing wrong with being frugal. People who have money tend to do so because they make careful decisions about their money. My husband and I make quite a comfortable living and I would choose a $ store test over a $15 one too.

murfygirl · June 2011

cmeon_the_water:
Aimlc1281:
cmeon_the_water:
I had a + with my son at 10DPO, and a positive with my daughter at 11DPO (didn't try earlier) with Dollar Tree tests. The only thing that sucks about them is the method- that you have to collect pee and dropper it (unless they've changed!).
This may sound gross but I just cover up the display box with my finger very tightly while I pee directly onto the stick. As long as no urine gets in that display, it'll work fine. I'm too lazy to do multiple steps!
No more gross than trying to pee into a cup, use a dropper to suck it up, and squirt it back out (hoping you don't spray it anywhere else!). I'm glad my POAS days are over! LOL!

I seriously suck at peeing on something so I always pee in a cup. I must have bad aim. Oh c'mon you know you miss peeing in dixy cups and watching it move across a test!

dukeandduchess · June 2011

SugarhillHnA:

I got a BFP on a FRER and CBE digi at 9DPO with my daughter, but the $ store tests didn't show a BFP until after my missed period at 14 DPO (Yes, i still tested a few times after my initial BFP). I'll pay a few extra dollars (and there are coupons out there) and buy the more expensive tests b/c I'm a testaholic and impatient and don't want to wait so long.

FWIW, I'd worry if you are concerned about dishing out an extra few $ for a pregnancy test are you really ready financially for another baby? It's probably an unpopular opinion and unless you are trying a long time and the money adds up, I'd pay the few extra bucks. Especially, if you test early like me.

I appreciate your concern regarding my finances, but I assure you that wanting to save money on a pregnancy test that is $20 a pop does not constitute not being able to support a second child. I don't buy name brand groceries, and opt for the store brand... does that mean I can't afford to feed my family? No.

Thank you so much for all of the helpful answers! I'll pick up a few and see how it goes. If they come out negative and my AF is still late, I'll get a brand name test just to be sure.

murfygirl · June 2011

SugarhillHnA:
I got a BFP on a FRER and CBE digi at 9DPO with my daughter, but the $ store tests didn't show a BFP until after my missed period at 14 DPO (Yes, i still tested a few times after my initial BFP). I'll pay a few extra dollars (and there are coupons out there) and buy the more expensive tests b/c I'm a testaholic and impatient and don't want to wait so long.

FWIW, I'd worry if you are concerned about dishing out an extra few $ for a pregnancy test are you really ready financially for another baby? It's probably an unpopular opinion and unless you are trying a long time and the money adds up, I'd pay the few extra bucks. Especially, if you test early like me.

Because wasting money means you're financially secure and savvy with your hard earned dollar.

kcisthebombdotcom · June 2011

SugarhillHnA:

I got a BFP on a FRER and CBE digi at 9DPO with my daughter, but the $ store tests didn't show a BFP until after my missed period at 14 DPO (Yes, i still tested a few times after my initial BFP). I'll pay a few extra dollars (and there are coupons out there) and buy the more expensive tests b/c I'm a testaholic and impatient and don't want to wait so long.

FWIW, I'd worry if you are concerned about dishing out an extra few $ for a pregnancy test are you really ready financially for another baby? It's probably an unpopular opinion and unless you are trying a long time and the money adds up, I'd pay the few extra bucks. Especially, if you test early like me.

Yeah, I am very financially secure and I think it's stupid to waste money on pregnancy tests just to get a BFP a day early.

Perhaps that is why I'm financially secure-because I don't spend money foolishly...

kcisthebombdotcom · June 2011

Dollar tree are just as good. They detect just as early, it not earlier, than more expensive tests. First response may give you a BFP a day earlier, but really it's a waste of money since the sensitivity will only save you 1 day of knowing (your betas would definitely go from 12-25 over a day).You are pregnant for a LONG time-why not just be patient?

Some good info on the different pg tests on the market:

https://www.peeonastick.com/hpts.html

dukeandduchess · June 2011

KC_13:

Dollar tree are just as good. They detect just as early, it not earlier, than more expensive tests. First response may give you a BFP a day earlier, but really it's a waste of money since the sensitivity will only save you 1 day of knowing (your betas would definitely go from 12-25 over a day).You are pregnant for a LONG time-why not just be patient?

Some good info on the different pg tests on the market:

https://www.peeonastick.com/hpts.html

*bookmarked*

whinydaisy · June 2011

SugarhillHnA:

FWIW, I'd worry if you are concerned about dishing out an extra few $ for a pregnancy test are you really ready financially for another baby? It's probably an unpopular opinion and unless you are trying a long time and the money adds up, I'd pay the few extra bucks. Especially, if you test early like me.

You are dumb as dirt.

jlthompson19 · June 2011

I bought a bunch at baby wishes.com or something like that. It was actually cheaper than $ store. I got a + with one, then used a digital one an hour later and that one came up negative. I took another cheapo one and it was +. I don't remember how many DPO I was though.

Dreamsicle23 · June 2011

KC_13:
SugarhillHnA:

I got a BFP on a FRER and CBE digi at 9DPO with my daughter, but the $ store tests didn't show a BFP until after my missed period at 14 DPO (Yes, i still tested a few times after my initial BFP). I'll pay a few extra dollars (and there are coupons out there) and buy the more expensive tests b/c I'm a testaholic and impatient and don't want to wait so long.

FWIW, I'd worry if you are concerned about dishing out an extra few $ for a pregnancy test are you really ready financially for another baby? It's probably an unpopular opinion and unless you are trying a long time and the money adds up, I'd pay the few extra bucks. Especially, if you test early like me.

Yeah, I am very financially secure and I think it's stupid to waste money on pregnancy tests just to get a BFP a day early.

Perhaps that is why I'm financially secure-because I don't spend money foolishly...

Yes

thequeeenbee · June 2011

SugarhillHnA:

I got a BFP on a FRER and CBE digi at 9DPO with my daughter, but the $ store tests didn't show a BFP until after my missed period at 14 DPO (Yes, i still tested a few times after my initial BFP). I'll pay a few extra dollars (and there are coupons out there) and buy the more expensive tests b/c I'm a testaholic and impatient and don't want to wait so long.

FWIW, I'd worry if you are concerned about dishing out an extra few $ for a pregnancy test are you really ready financially for another baby? It's probably an unpopular opinion and unless you are trying a long time and the money adds up, I'd pay the few extra bucks. Especially, if you test early like me.

Really? Because financially secure people don't like to save money?

And as far as being financially ready for another child, how is using a coupon any different than buying cheap tests? =/

kcisthebombdotcom · June 2011

mooshagirl:
SugarhillHnA:

I got a BFP on a FRER and CBE digi at 9DPO with my daughter, but the $ store tests didn't show a BFP until after my missed period at 14 DPO (Yes, i still tested a few times after my initial BFP). I'll pay a few extra dollars (and there are coupons out there) and buy the more expensive tests b/c I'm a testaholic and impatient and don't want to wait so long.

FWIW, I'd worry if you are concerned about dishing out an extra few $ for a pregnancy test are you really ready financially for another baby? It's probably an unpopular opinion and unless you are trying a long time and the money adds up, I'd pay the few extra bucks. Especially, if you test early like me.

Seriously?? I just don't understand this logic. Because people don't want to waste money on expensive pregnancy tests they are not financially ready for another baby?

I posted on the TTGP yesterday complaining about shelling out $40 for some digital OPKs that I needed in a pinch and got a snarky remark like this as well. I just don't get this attitude.

I think it's a reading comprehension fail. People falsely assume that saying "I dont want to spend $x" means "I can't afford $X". If someone was saying they couldnt afford to go buy a pregnancy test, I'd probably tell them to wear a condom too.

I dont want to spend $1k to fix the air conditioning on my car, but it doesnt mean I cant afford to do so...

GingerCupcake · June 2011

It's highly unlikely that you'd get a false positive. They detect HCg, either it's there or not, if it's not there it wouldn't test positive (although it's possible to get a false negative if you are testing too early or the test is not sensitive enough to detect the amount of HCg present).
I used a dollar store test when I tested positive for DD1. We had been trying for months and months and the expensive drug store tests were adding up, especially because I could never wait to test and often tested early. It is awfully disappointing to use a $20 test every month and get a negative, a $1 test didn't seem quite as bad! I got a positive 5 days before AF was expected. It was faint so I zipped out to the drug store to splurge on a digital test which came back positive also. Yes, they definitely work!

sucrets4 · June 2011

I find it amusing that some people here are complaining that they're not sensitive, but probably have no problem shelling out the cash for a digi, which are notoriously less sensitive than traditional tests.

With DD I tested at 12DPO with 2 $ store tests and it was questionable the faintest hint of a line. I confirmed with a FRER (First Response Early Result) since poas.com says that they are the most sensitive.

There are some things in a Dollar Store that I would never touch, but a pee stick isn't one of them. You want to stay away from the blue line tests, though.

runnergirl79 · June 2011

I got a bfp for my last pregnancy on a dollar tree test. Definitely accurate. : ) I will say, though, that the First Response will be glaring white if you're not pregnant, so there's really no "maybe there's a line" (although I still did that..ha!). The dye on the dollar tree test will sometimes bleed into the control line, giving an illusion of a positive. hth & gl!

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are dollar store pregnancy tests the same as First Response, EPT, etc?

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