Can an Infection Cause a False Negative Pregnancy Test Result?

Learn if infections affect pregnancy test accuracy and why early testing may cause false negatives. Get expert advice on retesting and confirming pregnancy.

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Infections are unlikely to cause a false negative pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG, and infections generally do not affect hCG levels. However, testing too early or using diluted urine can lead to inaccurate results. If you suspect a false negative, re-test in a few days or consult your healthcare provider for confirmation.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Can infections interfere with pregnancy test results? Infections generally do not affect hCG hormone levels and are unlikely to cause false negative pregnancy test results.
  2. What causes a false negative pregnancy test? False negatives can happen if you test too early, use diluted urine, or do not follow test instructions properly.
  3. When should I retake a pregnancy test after a negative result? If you suspect you are pregnant despite a negative test, wait a few days and retest or consult your healthcare provider for confirmation.