As a former TTC (trying to conceive), I remember many items that were real dreams to have! There were specific thermometers for basal temperature and even the coveted digital pregnancy test. These digital pregnancy tests are very common abroad. When I was trying to conceive, I saw several videos with tests from various brands sold in Brazil, but I had never found these digital ones for sale in pharmacies like the regular ones. That’s why, once, I asked a friend’s husband who was traveling to the US to bring me a few digital pregnancy tests so I could “try them out.”
I managed to get two kits, which were used up over two cycles and, of course, I didn’t get to see my positive result in one of them, unfortunately… The digital pregnancy test works on the same principle as the strip test; the difference is that a small mechanism inside the test pen can read the result line if present and, in some cases, even indicate the number of weeks of pregnancy. The HCG is detected in the line where there is an antibody that captures the substance in the urine — in this case, the hormone exclusive to pregnancy. In my experience, I was able to observe the most essential aspects of this brand I used, but overall, I can give an opinion about these digital tests.
Pros and Cons of Digital Pregnancy Tests
Pros: With digital tests, the possibility of error still exists, but it is much less common. Some brands even have a guarantee so that, if anything goes wrong, you can go to a pharmacy with the test box to get another. Evaporation lines also exist with these tests, but since the result is read before 10 minutes, it’s unlikely that you’ll get a questionable result. With this type, you’re either pregnant or not — there’s no in between! They are also very sensitive, capable of detecting as little as 10mUi of HCG in urine.
Cons: Unfortunately, digital pregnancy tests are somewhat inaccessible… In Brazil, it’s rare to find anywhere to buy one. Another drawback is the price; if you do find these tests for sale in the country, the price will certainly be exorbitant. I remember tests used to cost around R$12.00, while in Brazil they went for over R$100.00!
To have one of these, you really need an international credit card to buy the test on eBay or Amazon and hope it arrives intact. Another way is to ask a friend or relative traveling abroad to bring you one. The problem is privacy — it will certainly be obvious that you are trying to get pregnant. I found only one place that sells the Clear Blue digital test online, a pack of two units for R$60.00 plus shipping. Another pack with 10 units of the same Clear Blue for R$360.00. The problem with these stores is the long delivery time of up to 40 days, and you need to have extra money to compare, because it’s expensive!
The most common brands of digital pregnancy tests, which are also easily found on eBay, are the most reliable: Clear Blue, First Response, and e.p.t. The prices vary by version, but are around $11 (the most advanced, which indicates weeks of pregnancy) and $7 to $15 for two units of Clear Blue. In the end, the pregnancy test is useful, but it can be replaced by the quantitative beta HCG test. If you really want to use one, it’s worth it for the experience, but only if you can have someone trustworthy import it for you! Have you ever used a digital pregnancy test? Tell us about your experience here in the comments.
See also: How to Use a Pregnancy Test?
Photos: Amazon, John Arnold
