False Negatives Can Happen: How to Be Sure Your Pregnancy Test is Accurate
Pregnancy tests work by detecting trace amounts of the pregnancy hormone called hCG that your body produces once a fertilized egg has been implanted. HCG rises rapidly, especially in early pregnancy as it doubles every 48 hours, so false negatives can result from testing too early. Knowing when to take a pregnancy test will help you minimize the potential for a false negative and give you more accurate results.
When can false negatives happen
Testing too early is one of the most common reasons. If you test before hCG builds up, the level in your urine might be below the test’s limit. For many women, hCG is only high enough a day or two after the first missed period. Most tests will say that the earliest the test can be taken is the first day of your missed period. However, some tests claim they are more sensitive and can detect hCG sooner than that. Always check the packaging and understand that even if a test claims that it can deliver accurate results that early, there is a significantly higher chance that it will deliver a false negative result.
Steps to get accurate results
There are some other things you can do to lower the chance of getting a false negative result:
- Wait until at least the day your period is due.
- Use first morning urine when hCG is most concentrated.
- Check the kit’s expiration date and store it at room temperature.
- Set a timer so you are waiting for the exact right time to view your results.
Once you follow these steps, you will boost your chance of an accurate reading. If your period is late and you still get a negative, try again in three days. Hormone levels can rise quickly in early pregnancy.
What to do after a negative result if you still think you are pregnant
If you test again and still get a negative but your period has not started, consider reaching out for professional care. Center For Women Jackson provides free lab quality pregnancy tests that are highly accurate and administered by a professional. We want you to get results you can count on, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you think you may be pregnant, or if you have gotten a negative result but still think you could be pregnant.
How Center For Women Jackson can support you
Our goal is to provide clear, caring support and our pregnancy tests are just the beginning. We can help you in your pregnancy by providing you with information, connecting you to prenatal care, getting you maternity materials and answering any of your questions. We want you to feel confident in your journey and we’re here to help in any way we can. Call or schedule an appointment today to see how we can help you.
