False Pregnancy Test Results
False pregnancy tests can lead to false hope. At home test, although generally 97% accurate if done correctly, is the most popular method of checking to see if one is pregnant. At home tests search for the hormone hCG, or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in a woman’s urine. Doctor’s offices also test for this hormone, only instead of urine, they analyze blood work. Unfortunately, both types of tests can and do give false negative or false positive results. This is usually rare, however it does happen.
Doctors encourage that a woman waits until she has missed a period before administering any sort of pregnancy test. This gives the hCG hormone time to increase in one’s system. False pregnancy test results are usually rare occurrences, however they do happen due to specific things such as:
Chemical Pregnancy – A chemical pregnancy is another term for an early miscarriage. Studies show that ½ of all first pregnancies end in miscarriage. Many home pregnancy tests are high in sensitivity, giving positive results while women end up getting their period due to the chemical pregnancy.
Missed Reaction Time – For at home kits, there is usually a ‘reaction’ or ‘stipulated reaction’ time for you to read results. If you wait too long to check the results, it could yield a false result, either stating you are or aren’t pregnant.
Chemical Interference – If you are taking a certain medication that includes the ingredient hCG, and you take a pregnancy test, results could be false. Remember that this is the hormone pregnancy tests (at home and in doctor’s offices) search for. Infertility treatment usually includes an hCG shot, so it’s important you wait until the shot is out of your system before testing.
Evaporation Lines – Some at home tests leave a faint evaporation line as the urine crosses the test. Occasionally, the line is misinterpreted as a positive result, when if fact it’s not true. There are test kits available that don’t use an evaporation line and are even more cost-effective.
There are also at home pregnancy tests that include an additional stick or test inside in case something went wrong, directions weren’t followed exactly, or you just want to double check. It’s important though that if you don’t trust these at home tests, you should see a doctor and have a real test done. There are many places that offer free pregnancy tests too, if money is a problem. Nothing is more aggravating than receiving false negative pregnancy test results or false positive pregnancy test results. Make sure you follow directions and test within the appropriate time frame.
Who Can Receive False Results?
Unfortunately, anyone can receive false pregnancy test results. Pregnancy tests don’t discriminate in any way. The reason for the false pregnancy test result is due to other factors, generally not the test itself. Even though it’s rare for false results to be given at doctor’s offices, clinics and hospitals, it does happen. Doctors are much better at making sure you’re a candidate for the pregnancy test before administering tests. If you are taking matters into your own hands, and relying on tests found in your local store, remember that if the directions/instructions are followed exact, and you’re not jumping the gun on waiting for your period to arrive, chances are the results will not be false.
Am I a Candidate For a Pregnancy Test?
In most cases, many women wait to see if they miss a period before considering a pregnancy test. If you are late, nothing is wrong with taking a test too soon. However, it’s important to keep in mind that even though most tests are highly sensitive to the hormone hCG, taking a test too early can give false results. The best candidate is a woman who did not use proper contraceptives before intercourse, whose late or has missed a period, who is not taking specific medications, birth control or other things that can cause a woman to miss a period. Whether this pregnancy was planned or not, if you feel like you need to take a pregnancy test, take it. If you follow the directions carefully, or leave it to the doctors, chances are you won’t receive a false result.
