Do the Tests tell the Truth? The availability of home pregnancy testing kits from pharmacies has brought both joy and relief to many women, confirming whether or not they are pregnant. But, how reliable are they?
The Evidence
A study1 looked at all the available literature on home pregnancy tests. What is concerning is that of the 55 studies examined, an amazing 50 were not properly designed (for example, without non-pregnant control subjects). Of the remaining five, four used women testing their own samples and one testing other samples previously collected.
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ConclusionThe majority of pregnancy tests available over the counter claim 95% accuracy (whatever that means). However, the results from the studies showed:
- For self-testing: 75%
- For testing other samples: 91%
The reality is that the literature contains information on only four kits evaluated as they are intended to be used - by women testing their own urine. The results we have suggest that for every four women who use such a test and are pregnant, one will get a negative test result. It also suggests that for every four women who are not pregnant, one will have a positive test result.
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