Can an ectopic pregnancy cause a false-negative test?

Urine tests detect pregnancy hormone, and the level may be too low for a test to detect early in pregnancy. Diluted urine, an incorrect testing method, or testing before the expected period can also affect the result. Ectopic pregnancy may produce a lower or slower-changing hormone pattern than expected, but the test result alone cannot locate a pregnancy. A clinician may repeat a urine or blood test and arrange a transvaginal ultrasound. Pelvic pain can have many causes, including pelvic inflammatory disease, so symptoms need an examination rather than a guess.

If your period is late or symptoms continue, contact a healthcare professional and explain when you tested, how the test was used, and whether you have pain or bleeding. They may recommend a repeat test, quantitative blood testing, an ultrasound, or another examination. Avoid assuming that a negative home test settles the question. Read about Ectopic Pregnancy and Pelvic Pain for related information.

Go to emergency care for severe or one-sided abdominal pain, fainting, dizziness, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, sudden weakness, or breathing difficulty. These warning signs can occur with internal bleeding and take priority over a home test result. Ask someone to stay with you if you feel faint and do not drive yourself.

Ask whether blood testing is needed, when to repeat the test, and whether a transvaginal ultrasound is suitable. If an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed, ask about medicine, surgery, follow-up, and whether salpingectomy could be part of treatment.