How sensitive are urine pregnancy tests given at the doctor?

Question

We had a big "oops" this month and I ovulated 6-9 days ago (charting, so I know for sure). I had a test today, which was negative, but I think it was probably too early to be sure. I was at the doctor's office for some abnormal bleeding. However, the doctor said they could come up within 4-5 days after s*x. That sounds wrong. I just wanted to know if anybody knew.

Answer 1

They can report as much as 5 days before your period.  Period.

At that point, they are no where near 100% accurate.  They only get up to the 99% level on the first missed day.

As for birth control by rhythm and / or charting, there's a term for people who use that method.  It's called "Parents".

If you're trying to not get pregnant, you may want to talk to your gynecologist for options.  There are some extremely low does ones that may meet your needs better than the standard pill.

Answer 2

Generally doctor's office tests are not early response tests and they detect about 50 mIU/mi - unlike early response tests over the counter that detect about 25 mIU/mi.

25. My HPT was positive, but the urine test at my doctor's was negative. Huh?

Urine-based pregnancy tests vary widely in sensitivity. Often a home-based test (HPT) is much more sensitive than the kind your doctor's office uses. (Often doctors or clinics use tests that are sensitive to 50-100 mIU/mL of hCG; most home tests detect a level of 15-50 mIU/mL of hCG. See the HPT Overview for various HPT sensitivities.)

Answer 3

almost pos. dr. test are very accurate and way better then home test. When I was preg. they determined pretty early.

Answer 4

They are the same sensitivity as the store bought brands. If you really want to know, request a blood test as they are more sensitive- but I highly doubt even that would pick it up 4-5 days after s*x, as it could take up to 3 days for sperm to implant.

I dont know why I got the thumbs down, as my answers have so far agreed with everyone else's... but thanks.

Answer 5

I took a hpt when I was 3 weeks, and it came up positive, and when I went to the doctors, they took two tests and both of them were negative. I have always heard that the accuracy of the tests is based off the person and the way their body handles the hormones. I am now 17 weeks, and glad I trusted my hpt over my doc's

Answer 6

Yes, doctor is just plain wrong.  Need to wait 10 days after ovulation for the "early" urine pregnancy test to work (they detect hcG levels as low as 20-25).  So you tested early.  With blood test you might be able to detect as early as 7 days depending on when implantation happened.  The implantation and hcG being produced in urine just simply doesn't happen in 4-5 days after s*x.

Generally speaking,  most doctor HPTs are not as sensitive / sensitive as the home early pregnancy tests that you can get over the counter.  they usually detect hcG level around 50-150 (so the doctor is absolutely sure that someone is pregnant).

Answer 7

4-5 days after is very soon. How could that be? I would say you have to wait until a day or 2 after your period is due. Also, urine tests (at the doctor and hpt's) are not very sensitive. Your best best is to wait until a day or 2 after you're supposed to get your period and go to your doctor for a blood test. Blood tests are a lot more sensitive and accurate than urine tests. Good luck!

Answer 8

The urine pregnancy tests at the doctors have the same sensitivity as OTC brands. They all pick up 20-25iU of hCG. Blood tests pick up MUCH less.

Answer 9

My both pregnancys was done with the doctor and they were both rite