Cheap Pregnancy Test Positive? Is It Accurate?

Question
i took a pregnancy test today from the dollar tree it was one of the new choice ones and it gave me a positive result. The line for positive is not as dark as the first line but u can definetley see the line. Iwas just wondering if i should double check because i have already gained some weight in my stomache and i also had some spotting today but it was very light and i've ben having back pains and menstrual cramps for the past couple days but no period.

Answer
Dear Jenna,

I've had a few different people questioning the accuracy of these "dollar store" tests. It really is up to you. Technically, if they are putting a product on the market which they claim to be able to accurately test for the presence of hCG in urine; it should do so. However, we all know you tend to get what you pay for.

The symptoms you describe are hormonal in nature and can also be related to hormone fluctuations within your cycle. That is why it so difficult to "diagnose" a pregnancy based on symptoms alone.

I would suggest waiting another five days and testing again. When you test make sure to use 1st morning urine to get a concentrated sample for the most accurate results. If those results are negative, you can either wait for the next cycle to see if your periods resume or have your doctor's office do a quantitative blood pregnancy test (serum beta hCG). That test will give an actual amount of hCG in your bloodstream rather than just a positive/negative result. Any amount of 25 mIU/ml or more would be considered positive for pregnancy.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda