7 Causes Of A False Positive Pregnancy Test And Next Steps To Follow

Home pregnancy test kits are the most common tools used to determine if you are expecting. Most at-home pregnancy test kits are dipsticks placed in your urine stream to detect the presence of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormones and confirm pregnancy. 

Some pregnancy test kits are highly sensitive and can detect hCG levels early in your pregnancy and show accurate results, but others may not be as foolproof as you would expect them to be.

For instance, in some cases, you may get a false positive pregnancy test and false-negative tests. But what does a false positive pregnancy test really mean? And what are the main causes of a false positive pregnancy test? Find out in this post!

What Is A False Positive Pregnancy Test?

A false positive test result means that even if the test indicates a positive result, you aren’t pregnant. In most cases, this means that the pregnancy test kit detected hCG levels in your urine, even in it absence of the hormone. 

The newly manufactured pregnancy test kits are designed to be highly sensitive to determining very low amounts of hCG as well, and sometimes due to the high sensitivity of the test kit, the results may indicate positive pregnancy, even when you haven’t conceived.

However, there are many other factors contributing to a false positive pregnancy test, and we have explained some of the popular causes in detail, in the next section.

7 Causes Of A False Positive Pregnancy Test

Chemical Pregnancy

This could be one of the most disheartening causes of a false positive pregnancy test. In this condition, you are considered pregnant for the briefest amount of time but the fetus fails to latch onto your uterus, causing miscarriage. Chemical pregnancy can happen many times before you miss your period. 

Oftentimes, this condition goes undetected, and what you may consider a late period is actually the end of a chemical pregnancy. The chances of a false positive test due to a chemical pregnancy go up if you test before your period date.

Ectopic Pregnancy

You can get a false positive pregnancy test result due to an ectopic pregnancy, also known as tubal pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a condition where the embryo implants itself outside your uterus. Unfortunately, an ectopic pregnancy is not considered viable and requires medical supervision to remove the embryo and protect the health of the mum.

Ongoing Fertility Treatment

During fertility treatments, some women have to be administered hCG shots. This can also cause you to get a false positive pregnancy test, as the home pregnancy kit can end up detecting the remnants of the hCG hormones in your body received from the shot.

User Error

Pregnancy test kits have certain instructions on their package, and if you fail to follow them vividly, then you might get a false-positive test result. That’s why it’s essential for you to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before taking the test. 

Most at-home pregnancy test kits require you to read the results during a specific time frame, and not if it crosses the limited time. For instance, if the test kit directs you to check the results after 3 minutes, then you must follow that time window strictly, and avoid checking the test after 10 minutes have passed. This is because any result shown after the designated time is considered inaccurate and false.

Evaporation Lines

Some pregnancy tests tend to leave an evaporation line when the urine runs across the strip. If the test result is positive, you will notice a change of colour in the strip and a line at the testing time. But if you observe no line at all, or notice a faint line that needs to be manipulated to confirm, then it could indicate the appearance of an evaporation line on the test strip. It could also happen if you end up seeing the results after the designated time window. 

Certain Medications

If you are taking certain medications like promethazine or methadone, you may experience a false-positive pregnancy test. This is because these medications contaminate your blood and urine, and contribute to inaccurate results. You may also get a false-positive result if you are getting hCG shots or medications.

Medical Conditions

Although it’s not common, certain medications can cause a false-positive pregnancy result. Menopause, ovarian cysts, and ectopic pregnancy are some rare medical conditions that can give misleading pregnancy test results. Additionally, certain forms of cancer like breast, choriocarcinoma (cancer in the uterus), and ovarian can produce hCG hormones in your body, resulting in inaccurate results. 

What Should You Do In Case Of A False Positive Test Result?

You do not have to stress about getting a false positive pregnancy test result. Visit your healthcare provider to determine the exact cause behind your false-positive result. If your doctor detects a medical or fertility condition, then get immediate treatment for it. But if there is no concerning reason behind your false positive result, then you may try again to conceive during your next menstrual cycle. 

Conclusion

While most pregnancy test results claim to be 99% effective, you must keep in mind that they can show inappropriate results in some cases too. For instance, you may get a false positive pregnancy test if you don’t follow the instructions properly or use a faulty kit. A false positive pregnancy test could also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as chemical pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy, so make sure to consult your doctor for further guidance and treatment options. 

FAQs

How likely are you going to get a false pregnancy test?

The chances of getting a false pregnancy test result is extremely low.

Can you get two consecutive false positive pregnancy results?

Yes, it’s possible to get a false positive pregnancy test result two times in a row.

Can a UTI cause a false positive pregnancy test?

Severe urinary tract infections can occasionally cause a false positive pregnancy test result. 

Also read:

Ovulation calculator: When are your most fertile days in a month? Find out using this calculator.

Ovulation symptoms: Check out this post to learn details about ovulation and its symptoms.