Which Type of Test Should I Choose?

There are 3 types of ovulation tests and pregnancy tests from HomeTest.gr:

1. Digital

2. Strips

3. Midstream

Which type is the best? Which one suits my needs? Which type is the most reliable?

Read the following articles to find the right test:
⭕ Which ovulation test should I choose?
Learn about your cycle and increase your chances of pregnancy with the right ovulation test.

⭕ Which pregnancy test should I choose?
Quickly and reliably find out if you're pregnant using the best pregnancy test.

With our help, choosing becomes easy and effective. Let's start with the basics.

There is no difference in reliability between the three types of tests. All three types are equally reliable. All three types are manufactured to the same quality standards that characterize all our products.

No matter which type you use, when the time comes for a positive result, you will get the same result. What matters is the peak of the ovulation hormone (LH), as well as the detection of hCG at the beginning of pregnancy.

So which type should I choose?

When to choose digital tests

Digital tests are the following:

They consist of a reusable digital reader and single-use sticks.

See the instructions for the digital ovulation tests by clicking the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_n9gEk_Sr8

and for the digital pregnancy tests here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4klpM_YVyDI.

Digital tests are the latest technological advancement. They are very easy to use, either by dipping them in urine or by placing them directly in the urine stream. They are also simple to interpret because they remove the need for you to read the result yourself — they interpret the result for you. They display the result as YES+ or NO- within 3 minutes!

If you have used analog tests in the past and wondered whether the result was positive or not, digital tests eliminate any doubt since you always get a clear and simple YES+ or NO- result.

Specifically, digital ovulation tests, with their innovative hormone detection method, eliminate the need for testing twice a day in at least 97% of cases.

On the other hand, digital pregnancy tests are calibrated to detect sufficient hCG levels on the first day of your missed period — not earlier. This is because we want you to see a positive result on the day you expect your period, not earlier, since with digital tests you cannot track the progression of the hormone like you can with analog tests.

Like midstream tests (see below), digital tests are ideal for use in non-private environments, such as your workplace, due to the option of using them either by dipping or by placing them in the urine stream.

When to choose strip tests

Strip tests are the following:

Strip tests are designed with small size and ease of use in mind. They require you to collect a urine sample in a plastic cup (no need for a sterile container).

See the instructions for strip ovulation tests by clicking the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRVyKSCX228

and for strip pregnancy tests here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWQJuM1BecA.

You will choose strip tests when you want to keep the overall cost low. They are the most economical option simply because of their type. In other words, they do not have the plastic casing of midstream and digital tests, which directly reduces production costs.

For ovulation

In particular, for ovulation strip tests, if you have irregular cycles and need many tests throughout the month to identify your ovulation, then strips are the right choice.

Strip tests, because they present the result with lines and leave the interpretation to you, are ideal when you want to closely track hormone patterns. There are cases where the hormone does not rise in a clear manner (How long does the LH surge last in each woman?). In these cases, whether by personal choice or following your doctor's advice, you can observe exactly how your body behaves. Analog tests show you the actual pattern of the hormone, not just a positive or negative result.

For pregnancy

When detecting pregnancy, strip tests — because they are analog — can show a positive 3–4 days before the expected period (sometimes even earlier). Even more importantly, continued use after the first positive result allows you to monitor the healthy progression of the pregnancy. You will notice this by observing the test line becoming darker day by day, as hCG levels increase.

Strip tests can only be used by dipping in urine. While this method is simple, some women prefer not to use an extra cup. In this case, the other two types of tests may suit them better.

When to choose midstream tests

Midstream tests are the following:

They consist of a plastic casing with a cap. They can be used in two ways: by collecting and dipping in urine (like strips) or by placing them directly in the urine stream.

Therefore, you choose midstream tests when you want all the features of strip tests, but also want the option of placing the test directly in the urine stream.

See the instructions for midstream ovulation tests by clicking the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp_Vub7CyJc

and for midstream pregnancy tests here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onBExzswvpk.

Since they are analog — meaning they show results with lines and you interpret them — they allow you to observe and monitor hormone progression, just like strip tests (see above).

Because they can be used in two ways — dipping in collected urine or directly in the urine stream — you will choose them if you are using them in a non-private space (e.g., at work) and want complete discretion, or if you simply prefer not to use the dipping method.

Therefore, the choice is purely personal, depending on how much you want to spend, how you prefer to read results, and the conditions in which you will be using the tests.

We are of course always available to help you with any question regarding our tests.