

You're using an expired or faulty test.You have a rare medical condition, such as an hCG-secreting tumor.You've taken a fertility drug with hCG (used to induce ovulation in fertility treatments).You've had a miscarriage or terminated a pregnancy in the past eight weeks, or have a molar pregnancy.This doesn't happen very often, except for in the following circumstances: If you get a faint line on a pregnancy test, wait a few days and test again.Ī false positive pregnancy test means that you get a positive result but aren't pregnant. These things usually happen if you take the test too soon, before your hCG levels are high enough. Sometimes you get a faint line on the home pregnancy test, so the result is unclear. But you can still get what are called false negatives or false positives.Ī false negative is when you're pregnant but the test results show up negative. Wait a week and test again if you still haven't gotten your period.Īt-home pregnancy tests are 99 percent accurate. If you get a negative result, no problem. If you're eager (or anxious) to know if you're pregnant, go ahead and do the test 10 or 12 days after you think you've conceived. But, once again, every pregnancy is different. And some women will have produced enough hCG to get a positive result at that point. Some home pregnancy tests claim they're sensitive enough to give you a positive result as early as five days before your next period. Waiting a few more days after that may provide an even more accurate result. But you're still more likely to get the most accurate results if you wait to take a pregnancy test until the morning of your expected period. When can I take an at-home pregnancy test?Īt-home pregnancy tests are getting better and better. If you still haven't gotten either your period or a positive result two weeks or so after you would expect it, reach out to your provider. If you suspect that you're pregnant (say, you're having early pregnancy symptoms) and still have a negative test, take another home pregnancy test in a week if you still haven't gotten your period. Every woman produces different amounts of hCG and it's not even the same for each pregnancy. One negative result doesn't necessarily mean you're not pregnant. Read the package instructions to learn exactly how long you'll need to wait to confirm a negative or positive result. You get the most accurate results if you wait up to 5 minutes, though this can vary by brand. With others, you can pee directly onto the strip or stick. With some home tests you urinate in a cup and then use the dropper to place a small sample in the testing well. Different brands have different instructions. That makes it easier for the at-home test to spot it. If you're pregnant, hCG levels will be higher too. Your urine is most concentrated when you first get up. Better to throw it away and get a new one. If you've been storing the test in the bathroom, the humidity may have ruined it. Check the expiration date on the package, especially if you've had it for a while. For best results when using a home pregnancy test:
