Early Bird Home Test (Early Bird Pregancy Test)

Member Name: jemima.peter

Product:	Early Bird Pregancy Test
Date:	26/09/04 (2216 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Price

Disadvantages: Result takes much longer than most other tests to develop, Awkward to use, Result may be inaccurate

I bought the twin pack of this test and have to say I was very disappointed with it.

The test is fiddly to use when compared to mid-stream tests, which can be similar in price to this (Early Bird 1-Test £3-4, 2-Test £6-8). It involves collecting the urine in a small plastic container (provided) and inserting the testing stick into a foam ring, in order to float it in the urine. The result takes several minutes to fully develop, and can be read in a small area at the top of the stick, where there will be a line to say if the test has worked (or no line if it hasn't) and one to show your result.

I used the first of the Early Bird tests one week after my period was due, and received a very faint line to say I was pregnant. As the line was so faint, one week later I used the second test to confirm the result and was alarmed when the test showed negative. I phoned Early Bird's helpline only to be told that 'if' I was pregnant (so much for the reliability of the test) then I must have had an early miscarriage for the second test to be negative. Disappointed, I accepted this but when my period still hadn't arrived one week later, I went to see my Doctor, who tested for and confirmed my pregnancy (a much more accurate result, my youngest arrived in due course).

I would not recommend these tests, the only thing in their favour is the price, but the accuracy seems to be poor and could lead to problems, particularly if it is important that you know your result quickly.

Summary: