Re: Serum Testing

Posted By hfhs.md.rcs on March 16, 1999 at 22:43:45:

In Reply to: Serum Testing posted by Michelle on March 16, 1999 at 13:53:07:






I took a home pregnancy test when my period was 3 days late and it came back
positive.  I went to the doctor and they immediatly gave me a blood test.  
When I called for the results, they told me it was negative.  I felt this
was incorrect and took another home pregnancy test and it continues to be
positive.  I am 8 days late.  What could the problem be?  I just want to be
sure one way or the other.




Dear Michelle:
All tests can be in error, including blood tests sent to a laboratory. If you are attempting to become pregnant, have missed your menstrual period, and have positive home pregnancy tests, I would repeat the blood pregnancy test. If it is negative twice, then I must believe it over a home test.
Why do tests give false positive reactions? If the reagents in the kit have gone bad; if another substance triggers the color reaction; if the test instructions are not being followed correctly; if the container or equipment used for testing is contaminated with urine from a patient who is pregnant, all of these can give a color reaction in a non-pregnant patient.
Keywords: home pregnancy test "false positive".
This information is provided for education purposes and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please speak with your healthcare provider.