Dollar Store Pregnancy Test: When to Take, Accuracy & more

If you’re trying to start a family and sincerely hoping for a positive result, those few moments when you’ve to wait for that pregnancy test result to show up can be anxiety-inducing. The last thing you’d want is a false result to appear on that pregnancy kit. Perhaps, that’s the reason you (and other couples who’re trying to get pregnant) may not think twice before dishing out extra money on a good pregnancy kit and ensuring that you get accurate results. But should you be spending so much on a pregnancy kit if the answer to that life-altering moment can cost only $1?

Yes, we’re talking about the dollar store pregnancy test kits, which cost only $1. The low cost of a dollar pregnancy test kit might make you question its accuracy, but should you doubt it? The answer might leave you surprised!

What Is a Dollar Store Pregnancy Test?

A dollar store pregnancy test kit works similarly to the drug store pregnancy test kit. The primary function of the pregnancy test kit is to detect the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in the urine (1). The pregnancy test kits come with instructions on the label, which one should follow carefully to get an accurate result. Some of the kits ask you to pee on them,, and some mention dipping the kit in a pre-collected urine sample to derive the result. You can get the result in just 3 minutes!

Are Dollar Store Pregnancy Tests Accurate?

The products that we get in a dollar store are certainly not of the highest quality there, so it’s quite natural for you to wonder if dollar store pregnancy tests work, but the good news is that they do. A dollar-store pregnancy kit is just as reliable as the ones that are bought from the drugstore. The sensitivity of a dollar store pregnancy test may vary from the pregnancy test kits available in the drugstore, which are very expensive and can detect pregnancy even before a missed period (as early as 5-6 days to be precise. However, if you don’t mind waiting, you can use a dollar-store pregnancy kit after having missed your periods. A dollar store pregnancy kid claims to be 99% accurate, provided the instructions on it are followed correctly (2) (3).

How Do Dollar Store Pregnancy Test Kits Work?

Pregnancy tests from dollar tree usually work by using a simple urine test to check for the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is produced by the body shortly after conception, but in the early days, its levels may be too low for the test to detect. These tests are generally accurate when used after a missed period, so it’s best to wait a couple of weeks after ovulation before testing for pregnancy (4).

How Easy it Is to Use a Dollar Store Pregnancy Test

Dollar tree pregnancy tests are designed for at-home use and come with simple, easy-to-follow instructions. They usually give quick and fairly accurate results if the directions are followed correctly. Their small, compact size makes them convenient to carry, similar to travel-sized toiletries (1).

When Can You Take a Dollar Store Pregnancy Test?

Knowing when to take a dollar tree pregnancy test can help ensure accurate results. While there are several early signs of pregnancy, it’s important to wait until the timing is right before testing.

1. Missed Period

A missed period is one of the clearest signs of pregnancy. However, factors like stress, diet changes, excessive exercise, or medical conditions such as thyroid issues can also affect your cycle (5). If your period doesn’t arrive as expected, it’s a good time to use a pregnancy test from dollar general. Doctors usually recommend testing about a week after a missed period for more reliable results.

2. Fatigue

Unexplained tiredness can be an early indicator of pregnancy. As hormone levels rise, fatigue may increase until hCG levels stabilise. Keep in mind, fatigue can also be caused by a busy schedule or upcoming periods, so it’s not a definitive sign (6).

3. Abdominal Cramps

Some women experience cramps similar to menstrual cramps when implantation occurs. These cramps may make you think your period is about to start, but it won’t come on schedule (7).

4. Breast Tenderness

Hormonal changes during early pregnancy can make breasts sore or swollen. You may notice tenderness in your breasts and nipples, and sometimes a slight increase in breast size due to increased blood flow (8). This can happen as early as one to two weeks after conception.

5. Frequent Urination

Pregnancy hormones can increase blood flow to the kidneys, causing more frequent trips to the bathroom. This is often noticed around six to eight weeks of pregnancy, but it can be an early clue for some women (9).

6. Mood Swings

Hormonal changes in early pregnancy can also trigger mood swings. These fluctuations may be more noticeable when combined with fatigue, though mood changes can also happen for other reasons (10).

How to Read a Dollar Store Pregnancy Test

The dollar store pregnancy test kit comes with easy-to-follow instructions on the label cover, making it quite simple for you to follow. An hCG level of 20 U/ml can be detected using a dollar store pregnancy test kit. While using a pregnancy test kit, you can only get the following three results:

• Two pink lines indicate a positive pregnancy test. Even if it is a faint line, it indicates a positive pregnancy. Many people describe this as a dollar tree pregnancy test faint line.
• One pink line indicates a negative pregnancy test.
• No lines on the test indicate that the test taken is incorrect. It can be because you wouldn’t have followed the instructions carefully or the test kit may have crossed its expiry date.

What Is a False Positive Dollar Pregnancy Test?

Sometimes it’s possible that a dollar pregnancy test kit might show you a false positive test when you might not be pregnant. This can be due to one or more of the following reasons.

1. A Faulty Pregnancy Test Kit

It’s a rare scenario, but it can happen. All home pregnancy test kits come with an expiry date; if you use an expired test kit, you may get a misleading result. There are chances that you might get two pink lines even when you’re not pregnant. Hence, it’s important that you check the expiry date before purchasing the kit.

2. Chemical Pregnancy

A chemical pregnancy is a situation wherein the sperm fertilises the egg, but it doesn’t result in a pregnancy. As a result, it leads to a very early miscarriage in the first few weeks itself (11). During this period, your body produces the hCG hormone, which can be detected by the pregnancy test kit, but it may cause an early miscarriage.

3. Infertility Treatment

Women undergoing infertility treatment may be given hCG hormonal shots to induce ovulation. This may lead to a false positive pregnancy test even 2-3 weeks after the medication. In such cases, the best option is to confirm with a blood test (1).

4. Ovarian Cysts or PCOD

Cysts in the ovaries are quite common among women in the childbearing age group; usually, these cysts disappear on their own. But, in some cases, they may increase the hCG levels in the body, which may lead to a false positive line. This situation is quite rare, but it may happen with women who have severe PCOD or cysts (12).

5. Evaporation Line

After the prescribed time limit, the evaporation line occurs when you read the test strip. Generally, after 5-10 minutes, the urine from the test strip evaporates, and that leaves a faint evaporation line on the control line, which may lead to misleading results (13).

6. Being on a Medication

If you are on important medications like barbiturates, anti-anxiety pills, diuretics, and anti-allergic or anti-psychosis medication, then the hCG levels in your body will tend to rise, causing a false positive line (14).

7. Incorrectly Followed Method of Testing

If you do not follow the instructions mentioned on the kit correctly, then there are high chance that you’ll get a misleading result. So, following the instructions very carefully and conducting the test accordingly is highly recommended.

If you get a positive test result in your dollar store-bought pregnancy test kit and you doubt the authenticity of the results, then it is best to confirm the pregnancy with the help of a blood test or an ultrasound scan.

What Is a False Negative Dollar Pregnancy Test?

A false-negative test on a pregnancy test kit can be confusing and can lead to stress and anxiety if you’re hoping to get pregnant. But the good news is you may find out that you are pregnant a few days later. The probable reasons for a false negative pregnancy test can be:

1. Diluted or Unconcentrated Urine

Most of the pregnancy test kits mention using first-morning urine, which is the most concentrated and undiluted. But if you consume too much fluid before collecting the urine sample, then the hCG concentration will get diluted in the urine, and you may get a false-negative test result. So, make sure that you use the first urine of the day (15).

2. Testing Before a Missed Period

This is probably the most common reason for a false negative test. You must take the test at least a week after your missed period to get accurate results. Testing too early will cause a false negative result as your urine may not have enough hCG hormone (16).

3. Not Following the Instructions Correctly

Excitement and anxiety can cause you to commit some mistakes while following the instructions correctly. This can also give a false-negative test result.

4. Obesity or High BMI

Women who are overweight or have a high body mass index (BMI) tend to have lower levels of hCG in their bodies. So, if you are obese, then it may show false-negative test results for quite some time till the blood produces an adequate amount of hCG hormone (17).

5. Irregular Pregnancy Problems

Situations such as ectopic pregnancy, chemical pregnancy or an early miscarriage can cause a positive test in the beginning and then a negative test leading to a lot of confusion and anxiety. In such cases, it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor to ensure the test results are accurate. This is because ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous situation that may be life-threatening; hence an early diagnosis will help with the treatment (15).

6. Early Reading of the Result

There is always a time limit mentioned in the instructions within which you should read the test results. Make sure that you follow the time limit correctly, as reading it early or late may cause inaccurate test results.

If you think you are pregnant and get a negative test result, then please don’t be dejected. It is best to wait for a few days and then check again with a home pregnancy test kit. Better yet, consult a gynaecologist to confirm the same.

What to Expect After the Result

After you take the dollar store pregnancy test, you may consider the following depending on your test results:

1. A Positive Result

Congratulations! So the first sign of being pregnant is there with you; now you need to book an appointment with a doctor and conduct the blood test and ultrasound scans to get a confirmation that you’re really pregnant. Once the pregnancy is confirmed, your doctor will prescribe you prenatal medication, suggest regular check-ups, and ask you to take good care of yourself so that you have a healthy and safe pregnancy (18).

2. A Negative Result

If you get a negative result, then wait for a few days. If you still don’t get your period, you can take the test again. Depending upon the results, consult with your gynaecologist.

3. Confusing or Mixed Results

If you have tried multiple dollar store test kits and have different test results in each, then it is best to consult a gynaecologist immediately. A mixed test result can be anything from a confirmed pregnancy to ectopic or chemical pregnancy. An early diagnosis will ensure you get the correct treatment.

4. A Repeated Negative Result

If you repeatedly get a negative result and still do not get your periods, then it’s time that you consult your healthcare provider. A negative test result and lack of periods can be due to many underlying health conditions like stress, PCOD, thyroid, hormonal imbalances, obesity, etc. Correct treatment can ensure that your menstrual cycles get regularised (19).

FAQs

1. Can you take a dollar store pregnancy test before missed periods?

For accurate results, taking a dollar store pregnancy test the week after you miss your period is advisable. If taken before that, there could be a chance of getting a false negative.

2. How is a dollar store pregnancy test different from an expensive pregnancy test?

Dollar-store pregnancy tests are as accurate as expensive pregnancy tests. The only difference is that expensive pregnancy tests may be easier or faster to read.

Don’t doubt the accuracy of a pregnancy tests at the dollar store because of its price tag. A dollar-store pregnancy test is highly reliable and accurate, so if you think you’re pregnant, get a dollar-store pregnancy kit to confirm your pregnancy; the good news is never expensive!

Also Read:

Salt Pregnancy Test
Soap Pregnancy Test
Vinegar Pregnancy Test
Pregnancy Test at Home with Toothpaste

Sources References

1. Cleveland Clinic – Pregnancy Tests

2. Planned Parenthood – Pregnancy Tests

3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Pregnancy

4. Planned Parenthood – Am I Pregnant?

5. National Institutes of Health – What are some common signs of pregnancy?

6. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital – Pregnancy Symptoms

7. Hackensack Meridian Health – Cramp Confusion: Early Pregnancy or Period? Understanding the Difference

8. PubMed Central – Ultrasound findings of the physiological changes and most common breast diseases during pregnancy and lactation

9. Asian Heart Institute – Early Pregnancy Symptoms: Physical And Emotional Changes

10. Dignity Health – Recognizing Pregnancy Symptoms in Northern California

11. Cleveland Clinic – Chemical Pregnancy

12. PubMed Central – A Little Bit Pregnant: Modeling How the Accurate Detection of Pregnancy Can Improve HIV Prevention Trials

13. Narayana Hrudayalaya – Causes of a False Positive Pregnancy Test

14. Blue Ridge Women’s Center – WHAT CAUSES A FALSE POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE PREGNANCY TEST?

15. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center – How early can home pregnancy tests show positive results?

16. Testing.com – Pregnancy Test hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

17. PubMed Central – Morbidly Obese Woman Unaware of Pregnancy until Full-Term and Complicated by Intraamniotic Sepsis with Pseudomonas

18. OSF Healthcare – I had a positive pregnancy test – now what?

19. Cleveland Clinic – Irregular Periods