Pregnancy tests:Pregnancy Test Troubleshooting

What is a false positive? Evaporation line?

Pregnancy Test Conflicts and Troubleshooting

Sometimes pregnancy tests can be confusing. All tests will come with directions and the directions should be followed closely for accurate results.

Evaporation Lines
If you do not read your test results within the recommended time frame, an evaporation line can develop. Urine dries up on the test area and can cause a faint line to show up on the test. Read your test results within the recommended time frame and throw it away if it is not clearly positive during that time frame. Evaporation lines are reported with most brands, and should be considered normal for home pregnancy tests.

Faint Positive Lines
If you have followed the direction on the pregnancy test and are checking the test in the recommended time frame, any result that shows up in the test area should be considered correct. If you get a faint line within the time limit, you are most likely pregnant. Positive results show up when there is hCG in the urine and results are usually pink or blue, depending on the brand. Test again in a few days to see if the results are darker. *Faint lines can also appear with a chemical pregnancy. When conception occurs, but the fertilized egg does not implant properly and the pregnancy fails to progress, this is called a chemical pregnancy. A monthly period usually arrives at the expected time or shortly thereafter.

Pregnant And No Positive Test Result
Although most women will receive a positive pregnancy result by the time they are a few days late for their monthly period, not all women will. If you truly think you are pregnant and are not able to get a positive result, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to have a quantitaive hCG test.

False Results
Although it is uncommon, some women will receive false results on their pregnany test. Make sure your test is not expired and make sure to follow the directions accurately. Usually, if there are absolutely no results within the test area, not even a negative line, the test is invalid. If you think that your test was invalid, retest.

Pregnancy tests detect the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone in your body. The tests that detect the lowest number of units should be more sensitive and give you earlier results. hCG is produced after implantation, which usually occurs between 6-12 days post ovulation. It usually takes a few days for hCG to show up in your system, so the best time to test is after the first day of a missed period. Using the first morning urine will allow the most amounts of hCG to be recognized.

Comments: Pregnancy tests - Pregnancy-Test-Troubleshooting

Comments 1 to 11 of about 11.

mumma-stace - 641 days ago.
Hi I was just wondering if anyone can tell me please how common it is to have a FALSE POSITIVE??? I have been trying for over 6 years, did 1 test last night. Brought another and did it this morning - both POSITIVE. I have PCOS and dont want to get my hopes up, just incase its a FALSE positive. Had blood test today, just wanting to know though if anyone has experienced this before and if you know WHY you tested pos when you werent preg. THANKYOU!

nickles12 - 860 days ago.
I added pink dye test please go look and tell me if it is +? I also did another blue dye that was barely there, but slightly there, they didnt have first response. Look and let me know..thanks!

nickles12 - 860 days ago.
i will post the pics from yesterday that i took 2 mons. after i took the test. i will put in my profile andtell me what you think.. http://i53.tinypic.com/wjjkut.jpg

nickles12 - 860 days ago.
i will post it in my profile..

nickles12 - 860 days ago.
can anyone tell me if these are positive tests.. http://i55.tinypic.com/2lauipx.jpg

justme-maz - 999 days ago.
pregnancy test troubleshooting...hmmm well i am 18 days late for my period...i am completely confused as i have some definate signs of pregnancy, including two pregnancy tests which showed up faint + signs...these were both on the last two tests taken. i have had two blood tests and they're both negative 1 hcg. i am just going to stop spending money and wait another week and re test then. i feel these urine tests are a big money making ploy!!!

mammaof2girls - 1198 days ago.
I am 4 day's late and i have took two test and got negative's!

trde - 1243 days ago.
i am over one week late for my period took a teat yesterday it was neg ative what do you think

hamkatiebug25 - 1316 days ago.
I am new here but need to know what you think. I took a walgreen early result plus or minus test. It had a visible line within the time frame and actually got darker as time went on. It was still somewhat light though. I just wondered if you think I should test again tomorrow of=r wait till Monday. I tested yesterday morning.

Danikas-mumma - 1344 days ago.
I had a faint but visible 2nd line appear but then dissappear...what does this mean? i plan to wait to miss my period to do another test!

wilsgaard - 1404 days ago.
I took an EPT this morning. LMP was June 22. I immediately saw a bunch of tiny dots where the positive line should be, but only on the top. The bottom was clear. Anyone else ever have this happen and what was the outcome??