At-home pregnancy tests can give results in just a few minutes, but can you trust their accuracy? Should you trust that your negative result is correct, or could you still be pregnant?
At A Hope Center, we understand how overwhelming an unplanned pregnancy and lingering questions can feel. That’s why we offer no-cost, medical-grade pregnancy testing services to help you get the answers you need.
Here’s what to know about why false negatives can happen and how we can help.
Timing Is Important
Testing too early is one of the most common reasons for a false-negative result.
Pregnancy tests detect a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). Your body starts producing hCG after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. If you test before your body has made enough of this hormone, the test might not pick it up yet, even if you are pregnant.
To get the most accurate result, test a few days after your missed period. Taking the test first thing in the morning—when your urine is most concentrated—can also help.
Keep in mind that drinking a lot of fluids or testing later in the day can dilute your urine and affect the results.
Other Factors to Consider
Even small mistakes can impact your results. Every pregnancy test is different, so it’s important to follow the instructions closely. Reading the test too early or too late or misreading the results can cause confusion.
If your test was negative but your period still hasn’t started—or you’re having pregnancy symptoms—it may be time to test again or come in for a lab-quality test at A Hope Center.
You’re Not Alone
If you’ve taken a home test and aren’t sure what to do next, we’re here for you. A Hope Center offers no-cost pregnancy testing and, if your test is positive, we may provide a limited obstetrical ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy and estimate how far along you are.
All our services are offered at no cost and are confidential. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Schedule your appointment today to find the answers and support you need.