False Positive Pregnancy Test

 A HCG or home pregnancy test is used to detect the hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in a woman's urine sample. They are suggested to be used after a missed period or 14 days from the conception date. Most claim to have a 97-99 percent accuracy rate however there is always that other 1-3 percent. These are considered false pregnancies. If you believe that you are receiving a false result here are some reasons why this may be.

A Chemical Pregnancy

A Chemical Pregnancy is a clinical term for a very early miscarriage. This usually occurs before your period is even due and before a heartbeat is even detectable by an ultrasound. The reason these are detected are because of a high sensitivity in home tests. Your HCG count will have risen because you were pregnant but hasnt had time to leave your system.

Chemical Interference

Any drugs that contain the pregnancy hormone HCG can provide a false positive. In many cases taking infertility drugs can provide a false positive. Make sure these drugs have exited your system before taking a test to ensure a true result. On average a HCG shot will be out of your system within 12-14 days after injection.

Time

If you notice on the side of the box for at home pregnancy tests they will tell you to check after a set amount of time but no later then another set time. Most will say for most accurate results check your test after 10 minutes.

Accidental Line

Sometimes in the process of taking a test urine will have splashed on the display bringing out the 2nd line faintly. This is also known as an evaporation line and is often interpreted as a positive pregnancy.

Thomas M.