Preggie Tests: any false negatives out there?

[nwppamela]

How reliable, how soon can u take them & has anyone had false negatives/positives? thanks

[xrayz]

I have heard that pink line tests will not get a phantom line but blue line tests will. I have always had the pink line tests and every time I have checked (after the recommended timeframe) and saw a faint pink line it was correct. Of course, I wouldnt say to go by that for anyone else...I am just giving you my personal experience. I was also very very early..not even late for my cycle yet...

[nwppamela]

I've come to the conclusion that I may have to wait out a few periods & get back on track after Mirena. Then I can better record my ovulation. These tests make me sad/bonkers/confused. I'm always wondering if I've put enough or too little urine, if it's too soon to test, & if it's too diluted. If a baby starts kicking in my belly I may take a test then, lol.

Thanks for the feedback ladies. You all are so comforting & reassuring.

[ChristineMP]

I always tell folks if they test the day after their period was due and get a negative, to wait a week and (if their period still has not arrived) test again with first morning urine. False negatives on the first test are not all that uncommon...but on the second test they are pretty rare.

[adgal]

No, they all say not to read after a certain time.  After the recommended length of time, many of them will begin to develop phantom lines.  It's not usually really positive, but can be very confusing.

[nwppamela]

That's the confusing part b/c the box says not to read results after 5 minutes. Must be the cheaper ones I buy that say that.

[xrayz]

I have been able to test about 8 days after ovulation and get a positive although it did not appear within the recommended time frame. I have never had a false positive but I have had many false negatives which when I went and looked at them later a very faint line had begun to show.

[nwppamela]

very helpful...thanks bunches!

[adgal]

For the most part home pregnant tests are pretty reliable now.  For the most accurate results, it's best to wait until the day you have officially missed your period.  If your uncertain as to when your period was or is due, 14 days after you last had intercourse is a pretty good rule of thumb.  False negatives are not uncommon, but are typically a result of not using the test properly.  It's usually best to use first morning urine (collected in a paper cup vs. held in urine stream) and to be careful to follow directions closely.  The majority of tests will test positive once HCG levels reach about 25.  

Hope that helps.