How common are false negative pregnancy tests?

Answer by  harycat (84)

If you take the pregnancy test after you've missed a period, and you follow the instructions on the test exactly, a false negative is very unlikely.

Answer by  bigb59 (42)

False negative pregnancy tests are very common. I have experienced one myself with my first born twice actually. Depending on the brand you use results may vary.

Answer by  wennifred (597)

Very common. A false negative usually occurs when the woman is in the very early stages of pregnancy and so the pregnancy hormone (hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin) is not at a high enough level to be accurately tested. Test manufacturers recommend waiting one week to test again.

Answer by  Serafinah (232)

This depends on WHO performed the test. At home pregnancy tests are not nearly as dependable as those a hospital requiring blood - those are almost 100% accurate.

Answer by  Mary (2095)

They are much more common than false positives. Some women can test negative in their last month of pregnancy, though this is very rare.

Answer by  AidansMomma (106)

False negative pregnancy tests are very uncommon. A home pregnancy test detects HCg, a hormone only produced in pregnancy. A chemical pregnancy -conception with no implantation- or ovarian cysts may cause a false positive.

Answer by  girIbot (26)

False negative pregnancy tests are very common, especially among young women because of the tendency to take the test too early for hormones to show up!