For many women, the moment they reach for a pregnancy test comes with a mix of excitement, nerves, and curiosity. Whether you’ve been planning, hoping, or simply wondering, that small box you pick up from the pharmacy can carry a world of emotions.
But with so many brands on the shelf — and each claiming to be the “most accurate” — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Two names often stand out: Clear Blue and 1st Response. Both are trusted, well-known, and widely available in Australian pharmacies. But which one gives you results you can truly rely on?
Let’s unpack the science, the real-world experiences, and the value behind these two tests, so you can decide which is best for you.
How Do Pharmacy Pregnancy Tests Work?
Before we compare the brands, it helps to understand what’s happening behind that little window.
Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which appears in your urine shortly after a fertilised egg attaches to your uterus. The amount of hCG doubles roughly every two days in early pregnancy.
Most tests — whether line-based or digital — use special antibodies that react to hCG, producing a visible result. In simple terms: no hCG, no line. Once the hormone is present, the test will register a positive result.
Meet the Contenders: Clear Blue and 1st Response
Clear Blue Pregnancy Test
Clear Blue has long been a household name — known for its digital screens, smart countdowns, and easy-to-read results. Instead of squinting at faint pink lines, you get a straightforward answer: “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant.”
The brand offers several versions:
- Clear Blue Early Detection, designed to detect pregnancy up to six days before your missed period.
- Clear Blue Digital, with an easy-to-read result window and built-in countdown.
- Clear Blue Rapid Detection, giving results in as little as one minute.
It’s the go-to option for anyone who values clarity and reassurance.
1st Response (or First Response) takes a different approach. It doesn’t talk to you in words, but it listens to your body earlier than most. Known for ultra-high sensitivity, 1st Response can detect much smaller amounts of hCG — as low as 6.3 mIU/mL — compared to Clear Blue’s typical 25 mIU/mL threshold.
That means it can detect pregnancy earlier, sometimes up to six days before your period is due. Its wide absorbent tip and simple design make it easy to use, and for many women, that early detection can be life-changing.
How Accurate Are They Really?
Both brands boast over 99% accuracy when used from the day your period is due. But when you test early — before your period — the differences start to show.
Because 1st Response can detect smaller amounts of hCG, it’s often the first to give a positive result. Many women who tested with both brands reported getting a faint line on 1st Response one or two days before Clear Blue turned positive.
However, Clear Blue’s strength lies in its digital clarity. If you’re tired of guessing whether a line is “faint but maybe there,” Clear Blue removes the uncertainty.
So, while 1st Response may whisper your answer sooner, Clear Blue confirms it loudly and clearly.
Real Experiences from Women
When you browse online reviews or chat with women who’ve used both, a pattern emerges.
Many praise Clear Blue for the peace of mind that comes with a clear “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant” result. No misreading, no second-guessing. On the other hand, 1st Response wins hearts for its early accuracy, especially among women trying to conceive who test before their missed period.
Some women even use them together — starting with 1st Response a few days before their period, then confirming the result with a Clear Blue digital test once their period is due.
A Closer Look at Sensitivity and Detection
If pregnancy tests were athletes, 1st Response would be the sprinter — detecting results faster — while Clear Blue would be the steady marathoner, ensuring precision once hormone levels rise.
1st Response detects lower hCG levels, which means it’s ideal for early testing. Clear Blue, though slightly less sensitive, excels in eliminating user error with its digital readout.
In short:
- Test early? Go 1st Response.
- Want total clarity? Go Clear Blue.
Price and Value for Money
Both tests are affordable and easy to find in pharmacies.
- Clear Blue typically ranges from $10–$25, depending on whether you choose the digital version.
- 1st Response usually costs between $8–$20.
For those testing multiple times or before a missed period, 1st Response is more cost-effective. But if you’re after the psychological comfort of reading clear words on a screen, Clear Blue might be worth the extra few dollars.
Expert Pharmacy Recommendations
Pharmacists often suggest choosing based on timing and personal preference.
If your period is still days away and you’re eager for an answer, 1st Response Early Result gives you the best chance of finding out early.
If your period is due or just late, Clear Blue Digital gives a clear, unmistakable answer — no interpretation needed.
No matter which you choose, always test first thing in the morning (when hCG levels are most concentrated) and double-check the expiry date for accuracy.
So, Which Test Is Best for You?
Both Clear Blue and 1st Response are reliable, accurate, and easy to use.
If you value early answers, 1st Response might be your perfect match.
If you’d rather have simple digital certainty, Clear Blue is the one to trust.
In truth, they complement each other — one for early detection, the other for confirmation.
Where to Buy
At Sea Lake Pharmacy, we stock both Clear Blue and 1st Response pregnancy tests at competitive prices. Our pharmacists can also guide you on when to test, how to use each brand correctly, and what steps to take next if you get a positive result.
Visit us in-store or online for discreet, reliable pregnancy testing — because when it comes to moments this important, accuracy matters.
Pharmacist’s Advice
💡 Pharmacist’s Quick Tips
• The best time to test is with your first morning urine, when hCG levels are most concentrated.
• Always check the expiry date on the test before using it.
• If you test early and get a negative result, wait two days and test again.
• For a positive result, confirm with a second test or speak with your GP for a blood test.
• Both Clear Blue and 1st Response are reliable — it’s really about when and how you prefer to test.