Why Can a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Cause a False Positive Pregnancy Test?
Learn why a UTI can cause false positive results on urine pregnancy tests due to interference from blood and white blood cells.
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A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause a false positive in a urine pregnancy test due to the presence of blood or white blood cells in urine. These substances can interfere with the test's ability to accurately detect the pregnancy hormone hCG, leading to incorrect results. Always consult a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis.
FAQs & Answers
- Can a urinary tract infection cause a false negative pregnancy test? While UTIs typically cause false positives due to interference with the test, they are less commonly associated with false negatives. However, consulting a healthcare provider is essential for accurate diagnosis.
- How does blood in urine affect pregnancy test results? Blood in the urine can interfere with the chemical reactions in pregnancy tests, potentially leading to incorrect or false positive results.
- When should I consult a doctor if I suspect a false positive pregnancy test? If you have symptoms of a UTI or receive conflicting pregnancy test results, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for confirmatory testing and appropriate treatment.