USER ERROR

If you have never taken a pregnancy test before, make sure you read the instructions carefully to avoid user error and getting a false test result. With drugstore pregnancy tests, you will want to place the tip of the test underneath a urine stream, in a cup or container with your urine in it, or put several drops of the urine on the test. It usually only takes a few minutes for the results on the test to show “yes,” two lines, or “pregnant” if there is a positive pregnancy result. The test will show “no,” “not pregnant,” or one line if it is a negative pregnant result and you are not pregnant.

RECENT MISCARRIAGE OR ABORTION

If you have recently experienced a miscarriage, the hormone hcG could still be present in your body and therefore create a false positive pregnancy test result. There is a wide range of normal when it comes to how long hCG stays in your body after a miscarriage. It could be days or months. It is essential to take this into account when taking a pregnancy test.

If you recently had an abortion, you could have the presence of hCG in your body and urine for days or months following the procedure. An ultrasound can verify a pregnancy if you have recently experienced a miscarriage or had an abortion and are unsure whether you are pregnant or not.

MEDICATIONS

Certain medications can create a false positive pregnancy test, including fertility drugs that contain hCG. Other medications that can cause a false positive include, but are not limited to:

• anti-anxiety medications, like diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax)
• anticonvulsants, like phenobarbital or other barbiturates
• antihistamines, including promethazine
• antipsychotics, such as clozapine or chlorpromazine
• diuretics, like furosemide (Lasix, Diuscreen)
• methadone (Dolophine)
• Parkinson’s disease medications, including bromocriptine (Parlodel)