I used the First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test when I was trying to get pregnant with my first child back in 2000, and again now that we are trying to add a second child to our family. While I'm pleased with the test overall, I would like to warn against testing as early as the packaging/instructions suggest...

Our Story:

There were a few reasons we went with First Response when I was trying to get pregnant a few years ago. One was that we were already using the First Response 1-Step Ovulation Predictor Test in our efforts to get pregnant, but the main reason was because First Response claimed that their tests would work 4 days earlier than other pregnancy tests. As a couple who really wanted to have a baby, we wanted to know whether or not we were pregnant as soon as humanly possible, so it seemed like the most logical choice.

In case you are unfamiliar with the whole "when you can test for pregnancy" thing, like I was back when we were trying for our first child, here's the low-down. Pregnancy tests work by detecting high amounts of the "pregnancy hormone", hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in one's urine. The earliest it can be detected by an over-the-counter pregnancy test is roughly 4 days before one's expected period, which is usually 2 weeks after the date of conception (making those 2 weeks some of the longest I've ever experienced).

As I mentioned, we were very eager to get pregnant. During the 2 months we were trying to conceive our son, I calculated out the earliest date I could test and was very disappointed both times when my test read negative for pregnancy -- however that second month I actually WAS PREGNANT. The fact is that not everyone starts producing the high levels of the hormone needed for detection at the same time. According to clinical tests, the First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test detected pregnancy in 69% of women 4 days before their expected period -- that means I was in the 31% of women for whom the test did NOT work that early. It also detected pregnancy in 83% of women 3 days before their expected period, and in 93% of women 1 and 2 days before their expected period.

Needless to say, about a week after my false-negative I tested again and got a positive result. I was so surprised that I ran out and purchased a few other pregnancy tests from different manufacturers (after all, I had 1 negative and 1 positive from First Response and wasn't sure which one to trust). After getting multiple positives I was finally convinced. Now, during our attempts for a second child, I waited until 2 days before my expected period to test (and that apparently works -- because I just got a positive result today, hurray!!)

What do you get?

You can buy the First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test in 3-packs or individually (and currently 1 pregnancy test is included with each First Response 1-Step Ovulation Predictor Test kit).

The test itself comes individually wrapped in a foil wrapper and is just over 5 inches long. An individual test-stick consists of a white plastic shell with a thumb-grip on one side, while on the other side a clear-plastic overcap protects the actual test-strip's absorbent tip. Mid-way up the plastic casing is a "result window" where you determine the results of the test.

Using the Test:

As I mentioned above, the first step is to determine when you can test. Although the hormone level will be high enough in most women (69%) 4 days before their expected period, your odds improve with each day you wait, so I recommend 2 days before just to be on the safe side. You can test at any time, however your first morning urine contains the highest level of the pregnancy hormone.

To use, you remove the test from its foil wrapper and remove the clear plastic cap from the test strip. You can choose to do the test by holding the absorbent tip in your "urine stream" for 5 seconds, or you can do what I do and capture some urine in a clean, dry cup and immerse the tip in the cup for 5 seconds. You then replace the clear overcap (to protect the absorbent tip and keep it from dripping on anything) and lay the stick on a flat surface with the "result window" facing up.

The result can be read 3 minutes after taking the test (and the positive result line will last for at least 48 hours). If you see one pink line that is the test line, and you are not pregnant. If you see 2 pink lines, you are pregnant. If you see no lines then there was a problem with the test (possibly due to insufficient urine on the absorbent tip), and you should test again with another stick.

Limitations of the Test:

Some medications contain the pregnancy hormone and can affect the result (Pregnyl, Profasi, and Pergonal, among others). The test is NOT affected by hormone therapies containing Clomiphene citrate (Clomid and Serophene). The test is also NOT affected by things such as alcohol, painkillers, antibiotics, or the contraceptive pill.

Do not freeze the test, or store them anywhere with a temperature higher than 86°F (30°C).

I should add that, despite what the name suggests, the First Response pregnancy test is not the only one that allows you to test 4 days before your expected period. In fact, when I was in the store to get the tests just recently I read a few boxes for other tests that also said you could test that early.

Additional Information:

First Response has a toll-free customer information staff available for questions and concerns about the test (1-800-367-6022). You can also read about the various tests online at http://www.firstresponse.com

I have seen the kits available in many stores -- Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, Walgreens, and various other drugstores. The discount stores tend to sell it for as much as $5-10 cheaper than the drugstores.

Final Thoughts:

The First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test is very easy to use and the results are a breeze to read, so in that respect I highly recommend them. I would caution against testing too soon, as I speak from experience when I say that it is possible to get a false negative if you test as early as First Response says that you can.





Recommended: Yes