Have you taken a pregnancy test, convinced you were pregnant, only to receive a negative result? Or perhaps you’ve received a positive result even though you didn’t expect to be pregnant. False positives and false negatives can happen with at-home pregnancy tests, although they are rare.
Understanding how pregnancy tests work and why inaccurate results can happen can help you decide what to do next. Bright Hope Centers is here to help you. We provide no-cost medically verified pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to help you verify if you are pregnant.
If you are unable to visit us, we also provide a Medical Mobile Unit across the Lehigh Valley where you will receive the same confidential care. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Schedule a free and confidential pregnancy testing appointment today.
How Pregnancy Tests Work
Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone begins to increase in the body after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, around six to ten days after conception.
The most common at-home pregnancy test uses urine to detect hCG levels and is most accurate when taken after a missed period, using first-morning urine. Taking a test too early could lead to inaccurate results as hormone levels may not be high enough.
What Can Cause a False Positive
A false positive pregnancy test happens when the test says you are pregnant even though you are not. False positives are less common than false negatives, but they can happen due to a recent pregnancy or miscarriage.
This is because hCG can still remain in the body even if you are no longer pregnant. Getting an ultrasound can confirm if you have a false positive after a suspected miscarriage, as it detects if there is a heartbeat. It’s estimated as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage.
Other possible causes of a false positive include fertility medications that contain hCG, not following test instructions correctly (such as reading the results outside the recommended timeframe), and hormonal changes during menopause, which can sometimes lead to a positive result even when you are not pregnant.
What Can Cause a False Negative
A false negative happens when a pregnancy test says you are not pregnant even though you are. False negatives are more common than many people realize and often occur when the test is taken too early. Testing one to two days after your missed period is the most accurate window.
Other causes of a false negative are diluted urine, which happens from drinking large amounts of water, checking the test too soon, or taking it later in the day since hCG is more concentrated with first morning urine.
If your period still hasn’t arrived one week after testing, then repeat testing is often recommended because hCG levels may have risen.
Get Medically Verified Pregnancy Testing At Bright Hope Centers
If you are unsure about your pregnancy test result and think you may still be pregnant, a medically verified pregnancy test at our center can provide clarity. If the result is positive, we will provide an early ultrasound so you can learn more about how far along you are, the location of the pregnancy, and viability.
All of our pregnancy services are provided at no cost and remain confidential. If you’re pregnant and unsure of your next steps, we also provide options consultations to give you the facts you need so you can make an empowered and informed decision.
Schedule your free, confidential pregnancy test and get the clarity you need.
