Home pregnancy tests often claim to be highly accurate, but the reality is that various factors can influence the result. If you’re uncertain about your result, it’s important to take a moment and assess your next steps.
InnerVisions HealthCare understands how vital clarity is during this time. Our licensed nurses offer medical-grade urine laboratory tests in a confidential environment. We’re here to guide you through the process so you can make informed decisions moving forward.
Keep reading to learn possible reasons why a negative result isn’t always reliable and how to increase your chances of receiving an accurate one.
You Took the Test Too Early
While it’s tempting to test as soon as you suspect something might be different, testing too soon can lead to a false-negative result. Home pregnancy tests detect a hormone called hCG. If you test before your body has had time to build up enough of this hormone—especially before your missed period—you may get a negative result even if you are pregnant.
That’s why it’s best to wait at least a day or two after a missed period to improve your chances of receiving an accurate result.
Early morning is also the best time to test, as your urine is more concentrated, making hCG easier to detect. Testing later in the day or drinking lots of fluids beforehand can affect your test, even leading to a false-negative.
User Error
Each brand of test comes with specific instructions, and even slight variations can lead to confusion. Reading the results too early or too late may cause you to miss the correct result. Always follow the directions carefully, and consider taking multiple tests if the first result leaves you unsure.
If you’re ever unsure, seeking professional confirmation can give you peace of mind.
Get No-Cost, Confidential Help Today
If you’ve taken a home test but want to verify your result, visit InnerVisions HealthCare for no-cost pregnancy testing. If your test is positive and there are no medical contraindications, we may offer a limited obstetric ultrasound to confirm key details like how far along you are and whether your pregnancy is progressing.
You don’t have to walk through this alone. Schedule your confidential appointment today and take the next step toward clarity.