Normally, home tests detect hCG once it crosses 25 mIU/ml. I was so anxious when mine was faint; did anyone else also get a faint line because of low initial hCG? It gets higher every 48 hours.
Oh, don't get into the maths of hCG, it will drive you crazy! Basic rule is: if it's over 25, the home test kit will happily show two lines. If you want exact numbers, just get poked for a blood test.
For a blood test, anything above 5 is technically positive, but doctors like to see it doubling every 48 hours to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Please stay positive but cautious, and get your blood test repeated if your doctor advises.
Look, don't stress over numbers. A home test needs around 25 mIU/ml, which usually happens a day or two after your missed period. Just wait for your period date, test, and then visit a doctor.
At my hospital, the doctors told me that a blood hCG level above 5 mIU/ml is considered positive, but home kits need higher levels. You should ask your hospital's lab coordinator directly for a Beta hCG blood test for accurate numbers.
I read so much about this online! Usually, home kits need about 20 to 25 mIU/ml of hCG to show a positive line. If your level is lower than that, it might show a negative even if you are pregnant, which is so stressful!
