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The 10 kits tested were placed into 1 of 4 groups, based upon design.
Stick With Absorbent Tip or Urine Well
This group includes the following test kits: Advance, Confirm, Clear Blue Easy, Answer, and Ept. These test kits are basically sticks that the patient holds in their hand at one end, and at the same time urinates on the other end.
Test Unit With Urine Well
This group includes the Fact Plus, Precise, and Be Sure test kits. These kits all contain a urine collectioncup and require the patient to collect urine in this cup. Then the patient utilizes a dropper urine well on the test unit.
Q Test
The Q Test involves the patient following a series of steps involving collecting urine, mixing and adding urine to 3 vials, and a test strip.
Answer Plus
This test kit involves collection of urine, adding urine to a vial, filling test well with contents of vial, and then adding another liquid.
TIME INVOLVED IN OBTAINING RESULTS:
Below are the approximate times in minutes that it takes to obtain results with the various test kits. These times include the collection of urine if necessary.
EPT 2 min
Be Sure 7-8 min
Confirm 5 min
Advance 5 min
Answer 4 min
Answer Plus 5 min
Precise 3 min
Clearblue Easy 3 min
Q Test 10-18 min
Fact Plus 7 min
As seen above, results can be obtained in anywhere from 2 to 18 minutes depending upon the test kit that used. The Q Test takes longer because it includes a series of steps.
USE OF FIRST MORNING URINE:
Even if testing on the first day of a missed period, 9 of the 10 test kits don't require first urine of the morning. In other words, the patient can use urine from anytime of the day for use in the test kits. The one exception was the Confirm test kit. For this kit, it is recommended that first urine of the morning be used, if testing on the first day of a missed period.
PRICES:
Prices ranged from $8.00 to $13.00 for one test kit. Prices ranged from $12.00 to $18.00 for a 2-test kit. When available, 2 test kits (in same box) could be obtained from $14.00 to $19.00. If a patient thinks that they might be testing more than once, they should be advised that buying 2 kits (in the same box) is a much better buy.
EASE OF USE AND READABILITY OF RESULTS:
Eight of the ten test kits were easy to use and interpret. The Q Test and Answer Plus kits both involved more steps, and more complex directions for the patient. The Q Test results were also more difficult to interpret. However, the Answer Plus Results were fairly easy to interpret
