Can a Positive Pregnancy Test Lie?

by Anai Rhoads

I had three positive home pregnancy tests, all different brands. But when I went for my blood test, it was negative. Why?

Josephine from Oregon

Many times, a woman will make an appointment for blood work. Showing her home pregnancy test as positive, when in fact she just miscarried. Her blood test returns negative, and she is left confused and bewildered by the turn of events.

Some doctors feel it is best to not mention a loss. Doctors have a funny way of being "stone faced" during times of crisis. This is to protect the patient. Now, this does not mean that all positive home pregnancy tests and negative blood tests mean miscarriage.

Those who have had infertility treatments and were given profasyl (hCG shot) will have positive home pregnancy tests for at least 2 weeks after. Other causes for false positives include:

• Rare illness
• Early miscarriage
• Recent miscarriage
• Still birth
• Live birth
• Abortion
• Ovarian cysts

When in doubt ask for a quantitative blood test. This test will actually measure your hCG level. If your level is in the 30's and 40's when you are a week late, you may have miscarried. If it is in the 100's, you will be asked to return in for another blood test to see if the numbers are doubling. If they they double, your pregnancy is healthy.

Above all, demand to see your hCG level on paper. Ask for a copy from the lab. You will then see for yourself if you have miscarried or not.

Copyright © Anai Rhoads Ford. Permission to republish granted to Pregnancy.org, LLC.
Image © Sandy's Surprise