If you think you might be pregnant or just want to make sure that you aren’t, there’s really no harm in taking an at-home pregnancy test. It’s an affordable, easy, and highly accurate way to find out if you’re pregnant. And they work simply by testing the urine for the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that the body produces only when pregnant. So unless you’re a fan of suspense, go ahead and take the test! We’ll run you through some of the best practices to keep in mind before taking one, plus our recommendations for the best and most accurate pregnancy tests in Malaysia.
Best Practices For Taking Pregnancy Tests
To maximise your chances of getting a true reading, it all comes down to timing and diligence. So take into consideration these best practices before taking a pregnancy test:
Best Time In The Cycle
Ideally, you should carry out a pregnancy test from the first day of a missed period. This allows sufficient time for hCG levels – if any – to rise, ensuring a more accurate reading. If your period is irregular, the NHS recommends taking the test at least 21 days after you last had unprotected sex.
If you can’t wait, look for an early detection pregnancy test that can be used days before a period is due.
Best Time Of The Day
While you can take pregnancy tests at any time of the day, doing it first thing in the morning helps increase the chances of getting accurate results. This is because hCG levels in the urine are most concentrated when you first wake up.
Read Instructions And Check Expiry
This goes without saying, but always follow the instructions on the package and make sure the test isn’t expired.
If your results are positive – usually indicated by two pink lines or the word ‘pregnant’ – you’re most likely expecting a baby! If your results are negative and your period is still a no-show, try again in a few days to be sure. In case you’re still testing negative after more than a month without period, it may be best to seek medical advice on potentially irregular period cycles.
The Best Pregnancy Tests In Malaysia
From midstream to cassette tests, here are seven of the best and most accurate pregnancy tests in the Malaysian market.
Note: Prices of these pregnancy tests are accurate at the time of writing.
Best Early Detection Test: First Response Early Result In-Stream Pregnancy Test
Can’t wait to find out if you’re pregnant? Then relieve your anxiety with the First Response Early Result In-Stream Pregnancy Test. Thanks to its Sensitive Technology, it can detect very low levels of hCG up to six days before a missed period. Along with early detection, this midstream test also boasts over 99% accuracy with results visible in just 3 minutes. But that’s not all! It comes equipped with a no-splash test result window to prevent errors and a protective cap to keep the stick hygienic.
How to use:
Remove cap and place absorbent tip in urine stream for 5 seconds. Read results in 3 minutes.
What we like:
- One of the best and most accurate pregnancy tests for early detection.
- Easy-to-read results with reference guide next to the result window.
- Ergonomic design that’s easy to hold.
Price: From RM22
Best Digital Test: Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test
For reliable results, the Clearblue pregnancy test is one of Malaysia’s most popular and accurate digital pregnancy tests. It doesn’t just tell you whether you’re ‘Pregnant’ or ‘Not Pregnant’ in words, it also indicates how far along you are in weeks! These results come with over 99% and 93% accuracy, respectively. For further ease of use, the test stick comes with an extra wide tip and the unique Floodguard Technology that prevents excess urine from entering the device. The only caveat is that all of this fanfare comes with a heftier price tag.
How to use:
Remove cap and place absorbent tip in urine stream for 5 seconds. Alternatively, place the tip in a sample of urine collected in a clean and dry cup for 20 seconds. Read results after 3 minutes.
What we like:
- Clear, written results, with weeks indicator.
- Can be used up to five days before period is due.
- Foolproof to use with the Floodguard Technology and extra wide tip.
Price: From RM38.90
Best Affordable Midstream Test: Watsons One Step Pregnancy Test
If First Response and Clearblue are far too pricey, the Watsons One Step Pregnancy Test is your next best choice. It works the same way as the Clearblue in that you can employ either the midstream or dipping method, but the results are displayed in the form of pink lines just like the First Response. Best of all, it only takes a minute for the results to show. That’s two whole minutes faster than the previous options and two whole minutes you can spend celebrating!
How to use:
Remove cap. Point absorbent tip downwards in urine stream or dip half the tip into sample urine collected in a clean cup for at least 5 seconds. Read results in 1 minute.
What we like:
- Clear and rapid results.
- More affordable than other midstream tests with cap.
Price: RM15.90
Best Test Strip: Guardian Pregnancy Test Strip
Unlike most pared down test strips, the Guardian Pregnancy Test Strip comes in a solid plastic holder. This makes it sturdier and transforms it into a versatile test that can be dipped or used in-stream. Despite its high sensitivity, this little device isn’t made for early detection of pregnancy. So it’s best used any time from the day your period is due.
How to use:
Place absorbent tip directly in the urine flow or in urine sample collected using the folded cup for 10 to 15 seconds. Read results after 5 minutes.
What we like:
- Easy to grip.
- Comes with a cup and can be used in two different ways.
Price: RM10.14
Best Cassette Test: BioTest Pregnancy Test Kit
Not a fan of midstream tests and their price tags? Then this cassette-style pregnancy test kit may just be what you need. This best-in-class pregnancy test is manufactured to exacting CE (European) standards, so you can expect high accuracy levels and rapid results. It’s also packed with a mini dropper so you can easily dispense urine sample into the cassette.
How to use:
Collect urine sample in a clean and dry cup. Using the dropper provided, dispense several drops of urine into the round window on the cassette. Read results after a few minutes.
What we like:
- Affordable.
- Comes with a convenient dropper.
- Made to the highest European standards.
Price: RM7.12
Best Dip Test: Dip ‘N’ Tell Pregnancy Test
At over 99.9% accuracy, the Dip ‘N’ Tell is by far the most accurate pregnancy test you can find in Malaysia. It even comes in two types to meet different needs – the pink one for regular periods and the turquoise for irregular periods. Both provide quick results and are sensitive enough to be used up to four days before your next cycle is due.
How to use:
Collect urine sample in the cup provided. Dip the test in the urine cup, and read results after 1 minute.
What we like:
- High accuracy and can be used before period is due.
- Clear results, with reference guide next to the result window.
- Available in two types for regular and irregular period cycles.
Price: From RM8.50
Best Affordable Test: Disclosure Urine Pregnancy Test
If you anticipate testing frequently, the budget-friendly Disclosure Urine Pregnancy Test is one that you can buy in bulk. You’ll find the essentials within the film packaging, including a cassette test and a dropper. Although it’s priced at less than RM5 apiece, it still fares pretty well in terms of sensitivity and accuracy.
How to use:
Collect urine sample using a clean and dry cup. Using the dropper provided, dispense four drops of urine into the round window on the cassette. Read results after 1 minute.
What we like:
- Affordable for bulk buying.
- Comes with a convenient dropper.
- Compact and doesn’t take up much space.
Price: RM4.90
Get Accurate And Fast Results With These Best Pregnancy Tests In Malaysia
Remember, ladies, that there’s absolutely no harm in testing for a peace of mind. So put your worries (and suspense) to rest with these best pregnancy tests in Malaysia. With consistent results, a couple of these tests will likely be as accurate as one at the doctor’s. Besides, the earlier you find out about your pregnancy, the better you can plan, and take care of yourself and your baby!
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