How many of us have gone on to undertake more than one pregnancy test check to cross check the facts? Most of us would have undertaken 3 pack tests fully being aware that more than one is enough. Does it sound crazy as we not trust the results of a single source?
Though most of the advertisements claim that home pregnancy tests are more than 99 % accurate most of the time, but their actual precision varied between 54 % to 97 % on the first date of the missed period. The first response band went on to score the highest.
False positive pregnancy test which shows a positive result when you are not pregnant are on the rarer side but false negatives a test shows a negative pregnancy result when you are actually pregnant does occur. Hereby are some facts which helps you to become more confident and a result that you can really rely considerably.
The main reasons for a pregnancy test false negative
The most common reason for such a situation is that the test is done too soon, or there is little HCG in your urine. HCG is produced by the placenta which cannot be detected unless the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. This does occur between 6 to 12 days after ovulation. If the pregnancy test is undertaking too soon after conception, it is too early to detect a rise in HCG.
What should be done is that you should wait for a week and then get the test conducted again. Do wait 14 days from the date of your last sexual activity, that may have paved way for conception, which is more accurate than the home pregnancy test when you miss the last period. This is true in such a case when you have irregular menstrual cycles or you are not sure when was the date of your last period.
The hook effect which is a bit complicated but it does happen when there is too much amount of HCG in your urine. If there is too much amount of HCG present, then the test will not be able to detect it. This is very uncommon and in seen in cases of molar pregnancy.
If the test is negative and if you are having symptoms of pregnancy, or you are not aware on what are the reasons for why you missed your period then schedule an appointment with your doctor.
The causes of a false positive test result
This does happen when in real you are not pregnant. If the test comes out positive, you might be pregnant. This is caused by
- The test is not performed in a proper manner or it may have gone beyond the expiration date
- Phantom HCG which is detected from other sources
- The presence of antibodies in your system that may interfere with the antibodies of the test. This is also uncommon and occurs in cases of women who work with animals
You should repeat the test and follow the instructions carefully.
