Why You May Get A False Negative Pregnancy Test/ What To Do If You Get A False Negative Pregnancy Test

By Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta on March 9, 2021

If you are a woman of reproductive age and have been trying to conceive, a missed period rises the hope. However, a home pregnancy test may show a negative result and leave you dejected. If even after 1-2 weeks you do not get your periods, you see your doctor and she may confirm your pregnancy.

The question is this possible. Can you get a negative home pregnancy test even if you have conceived?

Yes, in our article today we will tell you about false negative pregnancy test and the reason behind it. Also, we will guide you on what to do if you get a false negative pregnancy test.

What Is A False Negative Pregnancy Test

If you are pregnant, still you get a negative result when you take a home pregnancy test it is considered as false negative pregnancy test. The home pregnancy test kit detect the traces of hormone human chorionic gonadotropin in your urine sample. However if due to some reason the cat is unable to read the levels of HCG in the urine sample the test comes negative.

How Common Is The False Negative Pregnancy Test

In comparison to a false positive pregnancy test, the false negative pregnancy test is more common. There are 10% chances of getting a false negative result. According to a research the home pregnancy tests are more accurate if they are done by experienced clinical technician in comparison to when they are done by the buyers or consumers.However, if the consumer follows all the instructions labelled in the kit carefully the chances of a false negative result reduces. Also, make sure not to test too early. Pregnancy test should be done only after you miss your period.

Possible Reasons For A False Negative Pregnancy Test

The possible reasons for a false negative pregnancy test include checking for the pregnancy too early, ectopic pregnancy, checking with the pregnancy kit that has expired or not following the instructions on the kit properly. You may also get a false negative pregnancy test if you are taking medicines such as anti-allergies ,diuretics, tranquilizers or anticonvulsants. In addition, impurity in the urine may mislead the kit. This is why it is always suggested to test the first urine in the morning. Also, you need to understand that there are many kits available in the market with varying level of sensitivity. Some kits are so sensitive that they can detect the hCG levels that are as low as 20mIU/ml but some can detect only if the level of ofhCG is 50mIU/ml. One more think you need to take care about while taking a pregnancy test is to wait for the reaction time. Reaction time is the time, which is required for the kit to show the results. Reaction time varies from 3 to 10 minutes depending upon the kit.

What To Do When You Get A False Negative Test

When you get a negative home pregnancy test, the first thing you should do is to wait for your periods. Repeat the test again after a week if you do not get your periods. If you are pregnant, the test is likely to be positive after the gap of 7 days as there is increase in thehCG levels. If you again get a negative test,you may wait for a few more days to get your periods. If you are unable to ascertain the result of home pregnancy test, meet your gynaecologist for a blood test or in later weeks for an ultrasound.

Besides pregnancy, there are likely many reasons for a missed period such as stress, sudden loss or gain in weight, hormonal imbalance, physical workout, unhealthy lifestyle and long distance travel. So, it is always better to consult a gynaecologist for proper diagnosis.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta: Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.