False Positive Pregnancy Tests: Causes and How to Avoid Them

Waiting for the result of a home pregnancy test can feel like one of the most intense moments in a woman's life. Those few minutes often bring a mix of emotions: hope, excitement, nervousness, uncertainty, and even fear. Even though pregnancy test kits are designed to provide fast, reliable results, there are times when the results can be misleading. A false positive when the test shows a positive line despite there being no ongoing pregnancy can feel confusing and emotionally draining, especially if you're actively trying to conceive.
 

While false positives are not very common, they do occur, and the reasons behind them are often misunderstood. Knowing what influences a pregnancy test's accuracy, why false positives can happen, and how to minimise the risk of an incorrect reading can make the entire process feel less overwhelming.

In this guide, we break down the science behind false positives, the most frequent causes, simple steps you can take to avoid them, and a list of dependable pregnancy test kits available on Apollo Pharmacy to help you test with greater confidence.
 

Home pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) a hormone the body starts producing soon after a fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining. In the early weeks, hCG levels rise rapidly in both blood and urine, which is why urine-based tests are generally dependable when used as directed.
Each test strip contains specialised antibodies that react only to hCG. When the hormone is present in the urine, it binds to these antibodies, triggering a chemical reaction that produces a visible test line.
1.   A true positive indicates that the test has correctly identified hCG.
2.   A false positive occurs when a line appears despite the absence of an ongoing pregnancy.
 

Although false positives are uncommon, several legitimate biological and technical factors can contribute to them.

1. Chemical Pregnancy (Very Early Pregnancy Loss)

A chemical pregnancy is one of the most frequent causes of false positives. It happens when:
1.     Fertilisation occurs
2.     hCG begins to rise
3.     The pregnancy does not progress beyond the earliest stage
Because the hormone was produced briefly, the test turns positive. By the time you test again, hCG may have dropped, resulting in a negative result.
Possible reasons include:
1.     Chromosomal abnormalities
2.     Implantation failure
3.     Hormonal imbalance
Chemical pregnancies are very early losses and are not a reflection of future fertility issues.

2. Evaporation Lines

If a test is read outside the recommended time window, an evaporation line may appear. These faint, often colourless marks may resemble a positive result.
Characteristics of evaporation lines:
1.     Usually lacks colour
2.     Appear after the urine dries
3.     Often thinner than the control line
This is why reading the test at the exact time specified in the instructions (usually 3–5 minutes) is crucial.

3. Fertility Treatments Containing hCG

Women undergoing fertility treatment may be prescribed hCG injections to trigger ovulation. These medications can remain in the body for up to two weeks, leading to false positives.
If you have received such treatment, your doctor will advise you when to take a home test.

4. Certain Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions cause elevated hCG levels or substances similar to hCG, which can affect the test.
These may include:
1.     Ovarian cysts
2.     Certain tumours
3.     Pituitary hCG production (uncommon in older women)
4.     Disorders of the reproductive organs
Although rare, these health conditions can influence test results and require medical assessment.

5. Medications That Can Influence Results

Most medicines do not affect pregnancy test results. However, a few drugs can potentially cause a false positive.
These include:
1.     hCG-containing fertility injections
2.     Certain antipsychotic medicines (in rare cases)
3.     Some anti-seizure medications
If you are on fertility-related medication, always check the timing of your test.

6. Recent Pregnancy, Miscarriage, or Abortion

After childbirth, miscarriage, or medical abortion, hCG may remain in the body for days to weeks. During this time, a pregnancy test may show a positive result even though the pregnancy is not ongoing.

7. Faulty or Expired Test Kits

Using an expired or damaged test kit can lead to inaccurate results.
Common issues include:
1.     Antibodies lose sensitivity over time
2.     Exposure to heat or moisture
3.     Damaged packaging
4.     Rare manufacturing defects
Always check the expiry date and ensure the packaging is intact.

8. User Error or Incorrect Technique

Incorrect use is surprisingly common and can lead to false readings.
Examples include:
1.     Leaving the test strip in urine for too long
2.     Allowing urine to spill onto the result window
3.     Not placing the test on a flat surface
4.     Reading the result too late
5.     Testing without tracking cycle timing
Following the instructions carefully is essential for accuracy.
 

While some causes are biological, many can be avoided with correct technique and timing.

1. Test After a Missed Period

Testing too early increases the chance of confusing results.
For accurate outcomes:
1.     Test on or after the first day of your missed period
2.     Use early detection tests only when necessary

2. Use First-Morning Urine

Morning urine is more concentrated and contains the highest hCG levels, especially in the early days of pregnancy.
This:
1.     Strengthens faint lines
2.     Improves detection
3.     Reduces unclear results

3. Read the Result Only Within the Recommended Time

Most tests must be read within 2–5 minutes. Reading the test after 10 minutes increases the chance of mistaking evaporation lines for positives.

4. Choose a High-Quality Pregnancy Test Kit

Using a trusted brand reduces the risk of unclear lines or faulty results.
Apollo Pharmacy offers multiple reliable options (listed below).

5. Avoid Testing Too Soon After Fertility Medications

If you have taken an hCG trigger shot, wait 10–14 days before testing. This ensures the hormone has cleared from your system.

6. Check the Expiry Date and Storage Conditions

Use kits that are:

1.  Within expiry
2.  Stored in a dry, cool place
3.  Properly sealed

7. Retest after 48–72 Hours

Because hCG levels double every 2–3 days, retesting after 48 hours can provide clearer insight into whether levels are rising appropriately.

8. Confirm with a Blood Test When Unsure

If results are confusing or if you have irregular cycles, a blood test or ultrasound may be needed for confirmation.
 

Here are some reliable and easy-to-use pregnancy test kits you can pick from Apollo Pharmacy:

1.Prega News Pregnancy Test Card

A simple dropper-based kit that gives quick and easy-to-read results.

Buy Prega News Pregnancy Test Card Here

2.Prega News Advance Pregnancy Test

Designed with a midstream format for a cleaner, more hygienic testing experience.
 

Buy Prega News Advance Pregnancy Test Here
 

3.i-Can Pregnancy Test Device

A one-step device that provides clear line-based results without any hassle.

Shop for i-Can Pregnancy Test Device Here

4.Pregascreen Pregnancy Test Kit

A budget-friendly option that still offers dependable accuracy—great for regular testing.
Shop for Pregascreen Pregnancy Test Kit Here
 

5.Apollo Pharmacy Instant Mid-stream HCG Test Kit

A convenient, dropper-free mid-stream kit that's easy to hold and ideal for beginners.
Shop for Apollo Pharmacy Instant Mid-stream HCG Test Kit Here

Experiencing a false positive can be emotionally overwhelming. Many women describe feelings of:
1. Brief excitement
2. Confusion
3.  Disappointment or grief
4.  Anxiety about fertility
These emotional reactions are entirely normal. A false positive is not a sign of infertility; it simply reflects temporary hormonal changes or testing factors.
Consider:
1. Talking openly with your partner
2. Taking a break from frequent testing
3. Seeking advice from a fertility specialist
4. Using cycle-tracking tools
Your emotional well-being deserves the same attention as your physical health.
 

If home pregnancy tests continue to feel confusing or if something doesn't seem right with your cycle, it's a good idea to speak with a doctor. A professional evaluation can clear doubts and help you understand what's happening in your body.
You may want to seek medical advice if:
1.  Your tests keep showing very faint or inconsistent lines
2.  Your period is late, but the test still reads negative
3.  You have severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or unusual discomfort
4.   Your menstrual cycles are irregular, or you're aware of hormone-related conditions
5.   You're above 35 and planning to conceive
6.   You're taking fertility medicines or undergoing treatment
Depending on your symptoms and history, your doctor may recommend:
1. An hCG blood test to assess hormone levels accurately
2. A pelvic ultrasound to check the uterus and ovaries
3. A thyroid or hormone panel to identify any underlying imbalance
4. Cycle tracking or monitoring, especially if your periods are unpredictable
Seeking timely guidance helps prevent confusion, reduces stress, and ensures you get the proper support through your conception journey.
 

Home pregnancy tests provide a simple, accessible way to understand your reproductive health. While false positives are uncommon, they can happen for biological, medical, or technical reasons. By choosing high-quality test kits, following instructions carefully, testing at the right time, and seeking medical guidance when needed, you can minimise uncertainty and approach this journey with confidence.
Apollo Pharmacy offers a range of trusted, easy-to-use pregnancy test kits to support women at every step, ensuring comfort, clarity, and accuracy whenever you choose to test.