Q&A: Could My Pregnancy Test Be Wrong?

Q: I took a home pregnancy test 28 days after the date of possible conception. The results came out negative. What are the chances the results could be incorrect? I ask because I haven't gotten my period yet. Thanks.

A: Home pregnancy tests are over 90% accurate in diagnosing a pregnancy. The test measures the level of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is the "pregnancy hormone." Usually the HCG is at a level detectable in urine at about the time of an expected period, or about 14 days after conception. There are several reasons why you may not have gotten your period and still have a negative pregnancy test.

There is a slight chance that the EPT may have been a false negative. Repeating the test can help to rule this out. If you have symptoms of pregnancy such as morning sickness, you should see your doctor for confirmation of your home test results.

If it is confirmed that you are not pregnant, it could be that you are experiencing a variation in your menstrual cycle. Very few women have consistent 28-day cycles throughout their lives. If you ovulate a little later than usual, your period will come later. This could happen as a result of stress, or if you have recently stopped using a birth-control pill, or for no apparent reason.

If you still do not have a period after a period of 2-3 months, you should consult your doctor. Not having a period could be a signal of a medical problem such as an under active thyroid or a disorder with your pituitary gland. These disorders should be diagnosed and corrected as soon as possible, especially if you are trying to conceive.

April C. Sanchez, M.D.

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Comments

Showing 10 out of 11 Comments | Add Comment | See All Comments

Angrla

11/14/2011 10:20 am

I have takin 3 home test two was positive and last one was negative. ima very confused how it could have some pos and some neg.

ashley

08/19/2011 7:42 pm

When i stand up i become really dizzy, i get nausea in the mornings but doesn't throw up i get bad heartburn and my stomach is sore.... could a be pregnant???

Veronica

07/22/2011 3:50 pm

I am 27 days late on my period. i wake up every morning with bad heartburn. i've always had a regular cycle. i have done many pregnacy tests & they all have come out negative. could i be pregnant???

Lilly Moon

05/07/2011 9:18 am

I should have got my period 2 weeks ago, i did a gregnaancy test twice and all showed im not pregnant, im a mother of 2 children and i have used the pregnanacy test with both children and they were positive. i don't konw what is going on, i use the contraception pill and i do remember that i took them all. can anybody help me pls.

sara

09/08/2010 7:21 am

I have missed my period almost 7 days now and i am feeling sick all the time through out the day and craving fast food. could i be pregnant one test done 2 days ago was negative

SHALINI

08/04/2010 1:36 am

I'vemissed my period. it's passed 8 days and i have done pt ,it came negative. should i wait for more time

sheng

07/30/2010 11:48 am

I am delayed ,i think 5 days now..and i know i am irregular..i used pt but the result is negative..but im soo worried..why my period not yet come!and i don't feel any symptoms of pregnancy..what do u think??i am preggy?or im not yet feel the symptoms of pregnancy???

Rachel

06/24/2010 1:34 pm

I don't remember the last time i had my period. i've taken a pregnancy test..the results were negative. i've been feeling nausea lately in the morning..and i still haven't gotten my period. i don't know what to do.

sara

05/10/2010 3:56 pm

Im 17. i took a pregnancy test on may 7 2010, it was a bit after my expected period. it came up negative. it is now the tenth and i still dont have my period. whats the chance the test was wrong ? or could it be something else non related to pregnancy ?? should i go to the doctor ??

worried mama

05/01/2010 2:35 am

I have pcos and had a dnc last year, ever since my procedure my periods have been normal. i missed my period the month of april and have been experiencing some pregnancy symptoms along with my breast lactaiting, i took 2 test one came out neg. and the other one showed nothing. what should i do???!!!

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