At Home Pregnancy Tests: How to Avoid False Negative Results
Pregnancy tests check for a hormone called hCG in urine. HCG is produced by a woman’s body once she becomes pregnant, but it can take a couple days for this hormone to become detectable by a test. False negatives can happen when a pregnancy test doesn’t detect hCG, but there are some things to ensure your test is accurate and not giving you the wrong information.
How Soon Can I Take A Pregnancy Test?
The amount of hCG in your body rises every day after conception. Testing before your missed period often doesn’t give your body enough time to produce hCG and therefore you are more likely to get a false negative. It is always best to wait until the first day of your missed period, as that is generally enough time for your hormones to build up.
Some tests claim they are more sensitive than others and therefore can detect a pregnancy sooner. Make sure you are reading the test package that tells you how early you can take the pregnancy test. It is important to note that even if a brand claims they can detect a pregnancy early, it can still be incorrect and you may need to take another test a couple of days later.
Time of Day Matters
It is recommended to test first thing in the morning, as the urine tends to be more concentrated and thus has a higher level of hCG. This is especially important to do when you are taking a test before your period. Additionally, most tests will give you instructions on how long to dip the testing strip in your urine. Make sure you follow these instructions, as too little or too long of time can impact your results.
Tips for Accurate Testing
- Do not drink large amounts of fluid before you test. This can dilute hCG levels in your urine.
- Collect the sample in a clean, dry container if you need to. Avoid touching the test strip directly.
- Read your results within the time frame the instructions give. Waiting too long can cause an evaporation line that looks like a positive.
- Collect your urine in a container and then dip the testing strip in that, as opposed to peeing directly onto the stick. This will ensure you have control of how long the strip has been exposed to urine and that exposure was consistent during that time.
If the test instructions say to read results in five minutes, set a timer. Do not guess if you see a faint line before or after that window. Accurate timing is one of the easiest ways to reduce false readings.
What to Do After a Negative Result
If you still suspect you might be pregnant, wait two to three days and test again. Hormone levels can double in just 48 hours. A second test can confirm if hCG levels have risen enough to detect.
At home pregnancy tests tend to be accurate, but for results you know you can trust, take a pregnancy test at our center. First Choice provides free pregnancy tests that are accurate and reliable. We want you to feel confident in your results so you can move forward with a plan. If you think you may be pregnant, reach out to schedule an appointment.
Pregnancy Support from First Choice
If you find out you are pregnant, First Choice can help you with your pregnancy needs. Whether you need an ultrasound, maternity and baby materials or need someone to talk to about your choices, we are here for you. Call or schedule an appointment online to see how we can help you.
Request An Appointment
If you think you could be pregnant, please come in for a pregnancy test and to receive information about your options. All of our services are free of charge.
Pregnancy tests are the only service that can be scheduled online. Ultrasounds must be scheduled via phone or text.