Can You Get a False-Positive Pregnancy Test Result?

January 13, 2026

A false-positive pregnancy test occurs when a test shows a positive result even though a viable pregnancy is not present. In other words, the test indicates pregnancy when you are not actually pregnant.

While home pregnancy tests are designed for high accuracy, several medical and biological factors can sometimes interfere with results. Fertility medications, a recent pregnancy loss, or specific health conditions may cause a test to read positive.

Women’s Care Center offers a safe and private setting to confirm your pregnancy. We offer complimentary pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, so you can receive accurate information and better understand what is happening in your body. 

Reach out today to schedule a confidential appointment.

How Pregnancy Tests Detect hCG

Pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after a fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining, typically 6 to 12 days after ovulation. 

During early pregnancy, hCG levels double approximately every 48 to 72 hours, allowing home urine tests to reliably detect pregnancy around the time of a missed period. Testing too early, before hCG reaches detectable levels, can result in false-negative or confusing results.

However, false-positive results, though uncommon, can occur due to several factors, including:

• Recent miscarriage or abortion: hCG can remain in your system for several weeks afterward.
• Certain medications: Fertility treatments or hCG-trigger shots may elevate hormone levels.
• Medical conditions: Rare cases like ovarian cysts or certain cancers can increase hCG.
• Evaporation lines or timing errors: Reading the test outside the recommended timeframe can create faint lines that appear positive but are not accurate.

Because home tests cannot confirm pregnancy location or viability, follow-up care, often including an ultrasound, is recommended for a complete and reliable assessment.

Why Confirming Pregnancy Matters

A false-positive can cause a false alarm or disappointment, especially when considering future plans. Professional confirmation through lab-quality pregnancy testing and, when appropriate, an ultrasound, can help you:

• Understand whether a pregnancy is actually present
• Verify that the pregnancy is located in the uterus and not ectopic
• Receive guidance on next steps, prenatal care, or other options
• Identify any health conditions that could affect reproductive health

Take the Next Step with Confidence

At Women’s Care Center Parkersburg, your visit is private and supportive. You may receive complimentary lab-quality pregnancy testing and, if indicated, an ultrasound. Ultrasound imaging can provide information that home tests cannot, including:

• Pregnancy viability (progressing with a heartbeat)
• Gestational age (how far along you are)
• Confirmation of pregnancy location in the uterus

Our trained staff will explain each step, answer your questions, and review the results clearly so you leave with accurate information and the confidence to make informed decisions.

Contact us today to schedule a confidential appointment and learn essential health details.