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8 Possible Causes for a False-Positive Pregnancy TestColoCRM2021-12-16T17:12:29-07:00 Show
False positive pregnancy tests are rare. This is because the accuracy of pregnancy tests is extremely high. But, no matter how high the accuracy rate, there is a slim chance of an incorrect result being given from time to time. In most instances, this is a result of human error. Other times, there are medical conditions that can alter results. And one of those conditions that can cause a false positive pregnancy test result is a urinary tract infection. Most at-home pregnancy tests have an accuracy rate of 99 percent. This means that as long as women follow the instructions, have waited the correct amount of time to test, and do not wait too long to read the results, the readings the test gives will be on point. But there are rare occasions when tests are incorrect. And this is why when women receive a positive pregnancy test reading that doctors test with not only another pregnancy test but a blood test as well to confirm women are truly expecting. Here is how a UTI can cause a false positive pregnancy test. What Is A Urinary Tract Infection?
In most instances, a urinary tract infection is caused by a bladder infection, according to WebMD. It occurs more often in women than men. When a UTI is present, it is the result of E. coli making its way into the urinary tract. And when this happens, multiple areas of the body are infected. The areas of the body that are infected, per the publication, include:
If treatment is delayed, the bladder infection can easily travel to other areas of the urinary tract. Infections in the ureters and kidneys are much more painful and take more time to treat, according to WebMD. And because of this, it is recommended to get treatment right away while symptoms are still mild. Signs Of A Urinary Tract Infection
When women are suffering from a urinary tract infection there are clear signs and symptoms that that is what is being experienced. According to American Family Care Urgent Care, the symptoms of a UTI include:
If these symptoms are present, women can anticipate that they will be diagnosed with a UTI. And because a UTI will not go away on its own, once women believe they have one, they should seek care as soon as possible. How A Urinary Tract Infection Can Cause A False Positive Pregnancy Test
As a result of having a urinary tract infection, it is possible to receive a false positive pregnancy test. It does not happen often, but it is one of the conditions that can cause incorrect results to occur. According to Gloucestershire Hospitals, a false positive pregnancy test can result when women have a UTI because there is too much urine flow being put on a test at one time. This can cause the result to be diluted and give a result that is incorrect. As such, when women believe they have a UTI and want to take a pregnancy test, they should pee into a cup to catch the urine. By placing the test into the cup, there will not be too much urine being placed on the stick and a correct result should occur. Source: American Family Care Urgent Care, WebMD, Gloucestershire Hospitals Can kidney cause positive pregnancy test?This is a rare one, but some medical conditions such as certain kinds of cancer, chronic kidney disease, as well as problems with your ovaries could cause the body to have increased levels of HCG and potentially lead to a false-positive pregnancy test.
What infections can cause a false positive pregnancy test?These include:. molar pregnancy.. rare antibodies.. hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) injections.. chemotherapy.. urinary tract infection.. kidney disease that causes blood or white blood cells in the urine.. germ cell tumors of the ovary, a type of ovarian cancer.. pituitary problems (very rarely). What else could cause a positive pregnancy test?7 Reasons Your Pregnancy Test Gave A False-Positive. You Had A Miscarriage or Abortion Recently. ... . Some Medications Can Trigger False-Positives. ... . Medical Conditions Are Sometimes to Blame. ... . Confusing Evaporation Lines. ... . User Error. ... . An Ectopic Pregnancy. ... . A Chemical Pregnancy.. Can an illness cause a positive pregnancy test?In some rare instances, certain medical conditions can cause a rise in hCG levels, even when you're not pregnant. These include: ovarian cysts. kidney disease.
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