Ectopic pregnancy and a negative test result

Home tests detect pregnancy hormone in urine. Testing very early, using diluted urine, or having hormone levels that are still low can produce a negative result. A negative result may also mean there is no pregnancy, or that symptoms have another cause. It cannot locate a pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy can present with pelvic pain or bleeding, so read more about [Ectopic Pregnancy](/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/) and [Pelvic Pain](/symptoms/pelvic-pain/).

If your period is late or pregnancy is possible, contact a clinician about whether to repeat testing or have a blood pregnancy-hormone test. Describe pain location, bleeding, dizziness, and the date of testing. A clinician may arrange serial blood tests and a [Transvaginal Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/transvaginal-ultrasound/) when it can provide useful information. Do not self-diagnose from a single home test.

Seek emergency care immediately for sudden or severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fainting, pronounced dizziness, weakness, shoulder-tip pain, or heavy bleeding. These symptoms can reflect internal bleeding and need rapid assessment, even after a negative test. If you feel faint, sit or lie down and ask someone else to take you for care.

Ask whether your result should be repeated, whether blood testing is appropriate, and when an ultrasound should be arranged. Ask what changes mean you should return urgently and whether other causes, such as [Pelvic Inflammatory Disease](/conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/), should be considered. If treatment becomes necessary, ask how it will be monitored.