Usually, you will have a heavy period soon after your period is normally due. There is also the potential for user error when taking a pregnancy test. When this occurs, sometimes a minor surgical procedure called a dilation and curettage (D and C) is often required to remove the tissue, depending upon your symptoms and how far along the pregnancy was. Goldstein J, et al. (2001). Journal of Analytical Toxicology. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious medical emergency and must be addressed immediately. Note:What medications can cause a false positive pregnancy test? Gomila, I., et al. This is important because differenttest measures the levels of HCG in a different way. Rifampin, which treats tuberculosis, might show up as opiates in some rapid urine screens. (2012). The presence of any impurities in your urine sample may also cause a false positive pregnancy test. The Fertility Institute. Just like with job interviews, some employers may require their employees to complete drug tests every so often. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Phentermine (Adipex-P) is FDA-approved to help some people lose weight. If there is a pregnancy, the test will give a positive result and if the test is negative, a negative result is given.
Can Cause A False Positive Pregnancy Test Other drugs that may cause a false result include aspirin and methadone. Anti-nausea drugs, including prochlorperazine, perphenazine, chlorpromazine and promethazine Sedatives that are used before and after surgery or during labor, such as promethazine Importantly, most medicines will not affect the results of a home pregnancy test. Alcohol and illicit drugs also dont affect pregnancy test results. (2015). Evaporation lines may show up on a test you view after your urine has evaporated completely. For that reason, its recommended you wait until 1 week after you expected your period to start to use an at-home pregnancy test. Summary: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify false-positive UDSs associated with all clinic formulary medications, as well as common nonprescription Get prescription saving tips and more from GoodRx Health. A number of different types of psychiatric medications can cause false positives on urine tests.
False Positive Pregnancy Tests, Explained - Clearblue User error, medical conditions, and certain medications can cause false If youve been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant for 12 months, you might want to consider having an infertility evaluation or working with an infertility specialist. Consider setting a timer on a stopwatch or your phone. Pregnancy tests measure levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood or urine. The presence of blood canalso affect your pregnancy test and is usually an indication of bladder infections or kidney disease. In this case, there are other reasons why you might have a late period and a negative pregnancy test that are good to be aware of. If youve had a baby recently or a miscarriage, you may test positive for pregnancy. The most common reason for a false negative is that you took the test too early. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg attaches somewhere outside the uterus. In this scenario, the pregnancy test gives a negative result even when the pregnancy is achieved. If you take a pregnancy test during this period, you may still have high HCG in your system, leading to a false positive result. Fraser, A.D., et al. GoodRx is not offering advice, recommending or endorsing any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information on the site. Quetiapine, which treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can wrongly show that you have methadone in your urine. Acta Clinica Belgica. Phentermine is a prescription medicine that helps curb your appetite. Using an expired kit can cause false positives. A chemical pregnancy is an early pregnancy loss that occurs shortly after implantation. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 3. WebWhat are other conditions that can cause a positive test for hCG aside from pregnancy? Doxylamine toxicity: seizure, rhabdomyolysis and false positive urine drug screen for methadone. Theyre not foolproof, however. Journal of Forensic Sciences. It is advised to consult a gynecologist for further confirmation of pregnancy if the pregnancy test results are positive. It may cause a false-positive reading on an at-home pregnancy test, particularly if the test is taken too early. Kale, N. (2019). WebMedications that may cause a false positive pregnancy: Antihistamines Antianxiety medications Antipsychotics Diuretics Parkinsons disease medications Methadone Working one-on-one with a therapist, family member, or trusted friend can also be beneficial. A pregnancy test is done to determine if women are pregnant or not. What Is a False Positive Pregnancy Test? Taking certain medicationsparticularly fertility medicationscan result in a false positive pregnancy test reading. Learn about the rare reasons for a false-positive pregnancy test.
Can can cause a false Some medications can cause a false positive pregnancy test result. Home pregnancy tests measure levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in urine. Taking any medication that contains hCG can cause a false-positive result. Drugs that contain the hCG hormone aimed at boosting fertility may impact pregnancy test results. These may include: Its chemically similar to amphetamines, a stimulant used to treat ADHD and as a study aid to stay awake. The pregnancy test can be done on blood or urine. Some women also take hCG to help them lose weight. WebWhat are other conditions that can cause a positive test for hCG aside from pregnancy? For over a decade, he has written several articles in the areas of female infertility, Erectile dysfunction, hemangioma, cervical cancer, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, mononucleosis, mitral valve disorder, nerve sheath tumor, shin splints, mild cognitive impairment, cellulitis, brain metastases, atelectasis, MCAD deficiency, lymphoma, sepsis, cardiac rehabilitation and metabolic disorder among others. Home pregnancy tests are a common tool used to find out if youre expecting. (2014). The stick is then able to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is a hormone produced during early pregnancy. How Many Weeks into Pregnancy Can You Get an Abortion? American Family Physician. Various medical conditions such as extra-uterine malignancies, pituitary disorders, ovarian cysts, and choriocarcinoma may lead to false-positive results. These five important signs will help you decide. Be sure to read the directions for your pregnancy test and follow them according to the manufacturers recommendations. While the blood test also detects hCG, it is far more accurate than a home urine-based test. Ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, menopause, and many other medical conditions can also cause false positives. WebAt-home pregnancy tests are pretty damn accurate, right? The embryo will still produce hCG, even though it has implanted in the wrong place. hCG is made when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, usually around 10 days after conception, and increases every
Why False Positive Pregnancy Tests Can Happen? | HealthNews Some anti-anxiety medications. But research shows this isnt true. Taking oxaprozin may result in a false positive test for benzodiazepines. Checking your results during the result time frame is also important. Discover the best time to be tested for HIV. (2006). Why Is There No Milk Coming Out When Pumping? Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Rapid urine drug screens: diphenhydramine and methadone cross-reactivity.
False positive This is called a false positive. Human errors also lead to a false positive test. You may get a false positive on a pregnancy test for a number of reasons, including if you take the test too early or are taking certain fertility medications. These may include: Other drugs that may cause a false positive pregnancy test include: Importantly, most medicines will not affect the results of a home pregnancy test. Then talk to your healthcare provider.
Pregnancy Test: When To Take, Types & Accuracy - Cleveland But how does this happen? Some popular over-the-counter allergy and sleep meds like Benadryl and Advil PM have diphenhydramine.
What Medications Can Cause a False Positive What Can Cause a False Positive Drug Test - WebMD Answers. If youve been looking forward to a positive pregnancy test result, a false-positive is disappointing.
Some of the drugs used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) can interfere with hCG measurements because they are forms of hCG. What medications can cause a false positive pregnancy test? 10 Common Questions About Labor and Delivery. Now, youll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare providers. Quetiapine, which treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can wrongly show Dextromethorphan (Robitussin, Delsym) 2. In some cases, though, running a second test may not be possible. Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Thats the chemical in the cannabis plant that gets you high. Several conditions may cause a false-positive pregnancy test. Taking the test too early can also result in a false-positive. The British Medical Journal.
can cause a false Various medications also interfere with the testing of pregnancy through pregnancy kits and may cause false-positive results. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. WebWhat can cause 3 false positive pregnancy test? Some infertility medications (medications that are used when a One of the most common mistakes is taking the test too early during your cycle. WebAt-home pregnancy tests are pretty damn accurate, right? Other drugs that may cause a false positive pregnancy test include: 6 Antipsychotics often used to treat schizophrenia, such as perphenazine, prochlorperazine, chlorpromazine, trifluoperazine, thioridazine, and thiothixene The anti-seizure/anticonvulsant drug carbamazepine used for epilepsy, facial nerve pain, and bipolar disorder However, if youre undergoing fertility treatments that require taking certain medications, you may have detectable hCG (from the medication) that can lead to a (2013). Drugs that contain the hCG hormone aimed at boosting fertility may impact pregnancy test results. Trying to figure out if you need to take a pregnancy test? Sometimes you may have a fertilized egg that has not attached to the uterus lining. The four main causes that may lead to a false positive pregnancy test include a chemical pregnancy, a recent miscarriage, medication or a defective test. All rights reserved. Clinical Chemistry. Not using your pregnancy kit properly may result in false positives. Here's what might be going on. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) are in a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Blood tests can detect smaller amounts of hCG, confirming pregnancy earlier than a urine test.
8 Possible Causes for a False-Positive Pregnancy Test Jensen, C.M., et al. Diuretics, medications that reduce the amount of fluid in the body, can sometimes cause a false positive pregnancy result on a urine test, according to the In this scenario, the pregnancy test provides a positive result even when there is no pregnancy. Often, people may attempt to take a pregnancy test but may not perform it correctly. A false-positive pregnancy test can occur when you have a severe urinary tract infection. A chemical pregnancy occurs when an egg has fertilized but doesnt attach to the uterus. Thats more likely to happen with labs that still follow the older, lower thresholds for detecting those substances. One of the fallopian tubes is a common area for an ectopic pregnancy to implant. WebWhat are other conditions that can cause a positive test for hCG aside from pregnancy? Their results are considered reliable, especially when you wait for at least a week after you miss your period to use one. False positive phencyclidine result on urine drug testing: a little known cause. Although its rare to experience a false positive pregnancy test, certain factors can make it possible. By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx. False-positive urine pregnancy test due to leukocyte interference.
Medications That Cause False Positive Pregnancy Tests These medications usually wont interfere with your drug screens. Most doctors, however, advise against home testing and ask that you come to the office to get a blood-based test. During pregnancy, the hCG levels continue to rise, in general doubling every few days, and peaking at around 10 weeks. Journal of Analytical Toxicology. At-home pregnancy tests arent foolproof. Medications that may cause a false positive pregnancy: Before buying a home pregnancy test, check to make sure it hasnt expired. An evaporation line is the mark left by urine after it evaporates completely from the test. This type of pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants in an area outside the uterus. It can be extremely upsetting to receive a false positive pregnancy test result, especially if youve had trouble getting pregnant or are actively trying to get pregnant (or both). These include some anticonvulsants, anti-anxiety drugs, antihistamines, diuretics, 11 /11. Sertraline (Zoloft) is prescribed for depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more. Common hMG medications include Menopur, Pergonal, The same thing could happen even with alcohol-based hand sanitizers if you use them regularly. All the best, masso. [Also Read: Can Ovarian Cancer Be Misdiagnosed As Ovarian Cyst]. The human errors include using an expired test kit or not performing and analyzing the test results as per instructions. Is the stick always right? Lastly, this article answers some frequently asked questions about pregnancy tests. An ectopic pregnancy can be a serious emergency for the pregnant parent if the growing embryo ruptures the fallopian tube causing severe bleeding. If youre undergoing fertility treatments to become pregnant, you may be getting hCG injections to stimulate ovulation. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Its a particularly heartbreaking feeling to see your hopes dashed when you discover that the positive result was a false positive for pregnancy.
false-negative pregnancy Diphenhydramine may cause a false positive result for some opioids and opiates. Jao H-F, et al. If you've taken a pregnancy test and believe that a negative result is wrong, the best thing to do is wait for at least two days and test again. 589. Submission of this form is subject to Healthgrades, Help Millions of people find the right doctor and care they need, Get immediate care and visit with providers from the comfort of your home, or anywhere, Urgent care centers can be faster and cheaper for situations that are not life threatening, Doctors and patients discuss the latest medical treatments and health tips, Search prescription drugs for why theyre used, side effects and more, Back and Neck Surgery (Except Spinal Fusion), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532950/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6464743/, https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/doing-a-pregnancy-test/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459155/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7117853/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6135366/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539860/, https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/pregnancy-tests. (2015). How medications affect pregnancy test results. Certain complications with implantation of a fertilized egg such as an ectopic pregnancy, chemical pregnancy, or recent miscarriage may cause a misreading. HCG hormone is secreted by the placental cells after implantation of the fetus. Several of these medications for mental disorders can lead to false positive tests. Set a timer when it is time to wait for the results and read them according to the recommended window of time. (2014). A chemicalpregnancy occurs when the embryo is not able to implant. Ovidrel Trigger Shots for Fertility Treatment. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Todays drug tests can detect even trace amounts of alcohol, and for longer after exposure. The best way to try and prevent being confused by an evaporation line is to follow the tests timing directions exactly as theyre given. An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency.
Quinolone antibiotics treat many bacterial infections. British Medical Journal. If you're experiencing cramping but don't get your period, you might be pregnant. A poppy seed bagel, for example, might make you test positive for both of those opioids for up to a whole day after you eat it. Any medication that contains hCG can cause a false positive pregnancy test result. A chemical pregnancy is a pregnancy, but an unhealthy one that results in an early miscarriage. In such cases, the blood tests and ultrasound are done to confirm pregnancy. (2016). You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Many liquid medications, vanilla extract, and breath-cleaning products often have ethanol, a form of simple grain alcohol. Sometimes a fertilized egg can implant itself outside of the main cavity of the uterus, which causes an ectopic pregnancy. Its estimated that 25-40 percent of pregnancies end as undetected miscarriages. Although its not common, certain medications can cause a false-positive pregnancy result. In addition, she writes content marketing for the healthcare industry because thats where her expertise lies. A small quantity of this hormone is also secreted by the colon, liver, and pituitary gland. Perkins also has extensive experience working in home health with medically fragile pediatric patients. Used for sinus and nasal congestion, pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) may cause false positive test results for amphetamine or methamphetamine. Then contact your doctor for a blood test to confirm the good news! She has worked with ground and helicopter ambulances (CCP-C, CFRN), ER, ICU, primary care, specialty care, psychiatric, and wilderness medicine. All rights reserved. after miscarriage, recent birth or termination) some rare ovarian cysts. Methylphenidate is distinguished from amphetamine in drug-of-abuse testing. Read our. The drug most likely to cause a false positive reading on a pregnancy test is hCG, which is given to women undergoing fertility treatment to mature and release an egg from the ovary. If the miscarriage was spontaneous, its also possible that not all the pregnancy-related tissue was eliminated. Journal of Analytical Toxicology. Shes dependable, versatile, flexible, and detail-oriented. Journal of Medical Toxicology.
Pregnancy Test Guide - Drugs.com For a pregnancy test through blood, you have to visit a clinical setting. Last medically reviewed on February 24, 2022. However, keep in mind that the earlier you take the test, the harder it is for the test to detect hCG. Medications: Some medications can also cause a false-positive pregnancy.
What is the most common cause of false positive hCG results? What medications can cause false positive pregnancy test It also discusses which tests are more accurate and how early you can take them. Youre elated, youre terrified, youre overjoyed, youre petrified all at the same time. This increases HCG in your body. Shes a conscientious, research-driven writer who cares about deadlines, accuracy, and ethics. Antinausea medications. If its an employer-mandated screening. Depending on your situation, it might be a relief to find out youre not pregnant. I would also like to sign up for a free GoodRx account, Written by Brian Leonard, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, Written by Divya Bhaskar, PharmD Candidate, Written by Rachel Feaster, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS, Written by Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP. Similarly, other medications like antidepressants and birth control can cause a false positive pregnancy test. (1990). It is possible to get a positive result when youre not actually pregnant, which is called a false-positive. Pregnancy Symptoms: 10 Early Signs That You May Be Pregnant, sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0009898114003787, ucsfhealth.org/education/conception_how_it_works/, sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352578916300297?via%3Dihub, annlabmed.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.3343/alm.2012.32.2.167, acubalance.ca/blog/what-chemical-pregnancy-did-i-just-have-early-miscarriage-or-false-positive, columbiadoctors.org/treatments-conditions/uterine-anomaly, Weird Early Pregnancy Symptoms No One Tells You About, Cramps but No Period: 7 Early Pregnancy Symptoms, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Causes of a Negative Pregnancy Test with No Period. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.
Causes Journal of Analytical Toxicology. She also practices and has a devoted lifelong interest in preventive medicine. A non-pregnant woman with elevated beta-HCG: A case of para-neoplastic syndrome in ovarian cancer. HMG is made up of two hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It helps lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure (hypertension). GoodRx works to make its website accessible to all, including those with disabilities. This can happen for many reasons. Rachel Gurevich is a fertility advocate, author, and recipient of The Hope Award for Achievement, from Resolve: The National Infertility Association.