Back to School: Simple Ways to Get Ready for the Week. American Psychological Association. Chemical pregnancies may account for 50 to 75 percent of all. Several of these medications for mental disorders can lead to false positive tests. False positive results on urine drug tests can happen. Goldstein J, et al. The demands of parenting can leave you less time to manage your depression. A recent miscarriage or abortion, certain medications, and several other conditions may cause a false-positive result. Some rare medical conditions, such as a trophoblastic tumor that forms due to problems with the fertilization of an egg, can cause misleading results. Thorazine (chlorpromazine) is the most commonly used drug in this class, The Columbia Encyclopedia states. Your privacy is important to us. Rollins, D.E., et al. If you are having difficulty accessing this website, please call or email us at (855) 268-2822 or [email protected] so that we can provide you with the services you require through alternative means. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our. In some cases, though, running a second test may not be possible. In such cases, the blood tests and ultrasound are done to confirm pregnancy. Cherwinski, K., et al. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. These medications can sometimes cause a false-positive on your pregnancy test. Typical doses of diphenhydramine may not cause a false positive result. It is intended for informational purposes only. Working one-on-one with a therapist, family member, or trusted friend can also be beneficial. This can cause either a false negative or a false positive. The same thing could happen even with alcohol-based hand sanitizers if you use them regularly. The results of a pregnancy test can be divided into three important categories. Trademarks, brands, logos, and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Summary. Pregnancy Test Evaporation Lines: What Are They? Diphenhydramine also may show up as PCP, an illegal hallucinogenic that is one of five types of drugs that applicants for all federal and many private-sector jobs are screened for. GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Confirmation tests are more specific for the substance or medication in question. Casey, E.R., et al. Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. Many sources state that methylphenidate can cause false positive results for amphetamines. Shes dependable, versatile, flexible, and detail-oriented. Ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, menopause, and many other medical conditions can also cause false positives. Women unable to ovulate on their own are often prescribed a fertility medication such as Clomid (clomiphene citrate). That means it's a sign of something elsesomething that is causing irregular bowel movements. Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR) may lead to false positive results for amphetamine or methamphetamine. Diuretics, medications that reduce the amount of fluid in the body, can sometimes cause a false positive pregnancy result on a urine test, according to the Mayo Clinic. Cannabidiol (CBD) comes from the hemp plant, a relative of the Cannabissativa plant that produces marijuana. Landy, G.L., et al. A drug test can detect the presence of certain medications and substances. Here's what might be going on. Taking any medication that contains hCG can cause a false-positive result. Journal of Analytical Toxicology. 1. Its probably an evaporation line if the line is completely colorless. Methylphenidate is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. Some companies may ask potential hires to complete a drug screening. There are various causes of false-positive pregnancy results; If the woman had blood or protein in the urine, the pregnancy kit may give a false-positive result. For instance, some tests require leaving the dipstick in the urine stream for a specific amount of time. Theyre also common during mental health evaluations. It's important to care for your own needs while you're attending to those of your family. Almost all pregnancy tests are done by determining the amount of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophic (hCG) hormone in blood or urine. Some women also take hCG to help them lose weight. False methadone-positive urine drug screens in patients treated with quetiapine. WebMedical Conditions. To avoid confusion, you may want to alert the lab or the clinic beforehand that youre on efavirenz. Youre elated, youre terrified, youre overjoyed, youre petrified all at the same time. Lelievre, B., et al. This is called a false-positive. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg attaches somewhere outside the uterus. It takes almost one to one-and-a-half months to have a normal level of hCG. Ovidrel Trigger Shots for Fertility Treatment. In addition, she writes content marketing for the healthcare industry because thats where her expertise lies. It works by lowering your appetite. Some medications may create a false positive pregnancy test result as well. It is common and can happen for several reasons such as wrongtime of testing or the poor quality of the test kit. The medication can cause a false-positive result if you take the test too soon after a missed period. In rare circumstances, the hCG hormone may be present in the body when a woman is not pregnant and may lead to a pregnancy test false positive result. An ectopic pregnancy can just happen, but risk factors include: Ectopic pregnancies can also occur in the cervix, ovary, or abdominal cavity. Detecting a chemical pregnancy before it miscarries can be emotionally hard. If you take either of these OTC NSAIDs, theres a small chance your urine test may be positive for barbiturates (a type of sedative) or THC. Another type of injectable drug, known as human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), can be used to aid in ovulation. Last updated on March 15, 2022. Can You Measure hCG Levels in Your Urine? Last Updated 01 May, 2023. Another NSAID, oxaprozin (Daypro), can be used to treat pain from arthritis. The human errors include using an expired test kit or not performing and analyzing the test results as per instructions. However, if youre undergoing fertility treatments that require taking certain medications, you may have detectable hCG (from the medication) that can lead to a American Addiction Centers: Whats An Amphetamine? 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. (2012). A chemical pregnancy is an early pregnancy loss that occurs shortly after implantation. Phentermine (Adipex-P) is FDA-approved to help some people lose weight. Urinary Tract Infection | False-Positive Pregnancy Test: 7 Possible Ca Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Act quickly if you experience any of the following symptoms. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. According to the National Health Service (NHS) the government-funded healthcare system based in the UKspecific medications that could cause a false Find qualified telemedicine providers for a variety of symptoms and conditions. Some pregnancy tests detect hCG very early in pregnancy. Sometimes, a faint-colored second line will appear. It can be extremely upsetting to receive a false positive pregnancy test result, especially if youve had trouble getting pregnant or are actively trying to get pregnant (or both). hCG is made when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, usually around 10 days after conception, and increases every 2023 Healthline Media LLC. They may be able to perform a second test thats more specific and accurate. Moreover, she can help clarify complex ideas and complicated clinical or technical information in ways that the reader can understand. This increases HCG in your body. Dextromethorphan (Robitussin, Delsym) 2. Similarly, other medications like antidepressants and birth control can cause a false positive pregnancy test. It could cause you to test positive for opioids (specifically methadone). The faulty test result could happen for several days after you quit your antidepressant. Acta Clinica Belgica. Their results are considered reliable, especially when you wait for at least a week after you miss your period to use one. WebAt-home pregnancy tests are pretty damn accurate, right? There are a few things that can cause a false negative reading, namely the improper use of the test, testing too early, using an expired test, or diluting the urine by drinking too much water in advance. If you read the result after a long time, your urine will dry, leaving evaporation lines on it. Reputable home pregnancy tests can be highly accurate, but they are not foolproof. Some urine drug tests screen for a specific medication and substances. Nomier, M.A., et al. It can be extremely upsetting to receive a false positive pregnancy test result, especially if youve had trouble getting pregnant or are actively trying to get pregnant (or both). Efavirenz (Sustiva) is an antiretroviral drug that helps treat your HIV infection. Methylphenidate is distinguished from amphetamine in drug-of-abuse testing. Journal of Analytical Toxicology. Can medications Quetiapine, which treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can wrongly show that you have methadone in your urine. Lastly, this article answers some frequently asked questions about pregnancy tests. The best thing to do when youve gotten a positive result is to contact your doctor. A non-pregnant woman with elevated beta-HCG: A case of para-neoplastic syndrome in ovarian cancer. However, the chance is small. It can relieve coughs and runny noses. MA. A registered nurse with more than 25 years of experience in oncology, labor/delivery, neonatal intensive care, infertility and ophthalmology, Sharon Perkins has also coauthored and edited numerous health books for the Wiley "Dummies" series. How Medications Can Affect Pregnancy Test Results. All rights reserved. But how does this happen? Blood pregnancy tests can also detect hCG earlier and more accurately than a urine pregnancy test. The stick is then able to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is a hormone produced during early pregnancy. The best way to try and prevent being confused by an evaporation line is to follow the tests timing directions exactly as theyre given. If you get a positive result you can almost certainly assume you are pregnant, at which point you should visit your GP to Drugs that contain the hCG hormone aimed at boosting fertility may impact pregnancy test results. WebWhat are other conditions that can cause a positive test for hCG aside from pregnancy? An ectopic pregnancy is a real pregnancy that will return a positive pregnancy test; however, the pregnancy is nonviable, meaning it cannot result in a live birth. Consider setting a timer on a stopwatch or your phone. (2015). There are a few other medications that may rarely cause false positives. 10 Common Questions About Labor and Delivery. While having to hold off two weeks can add anxiety to an already emotional process, the risk of a false positive test may be more upsetting than waiting for an accurate reading. Rapid fluctuations in body weight (either loss or gain) Eating disorders. This includes prescription medications or certain illegal substances. Then talk to your healthcare provider. These early test results, when wrong, can be emotionally draining. Methadone, given to treat heroin addiction, can cause a false positive result on urine pregnancy tests, Cigna states. Learn about potential problems associated with rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy, including triggers, preeclampsia, premature birth, and low birth, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Antinausea medications. In this scenario, the pregnancy test gives a negative result even when the pregnancy is achieved. Evaporation lines may also create confusion and lead to the assumption of a pregnancy that is not present. These medications usually wont interfere with your drug screens. What is a chemical pregnancy? Some popular over-the-counter allergy and sleep meds like Benadryl and Advil PM have diphenhydramine. Therefore, you need to ensure that you are not using faulty or expired pregnancy kits to get accurate results. If youve had a baby recently or a miscarriage, you may test positive for pregnancy. Copyright WWW.NEWHEALTHADVISOR.ORG 2014, All rights Reserved. Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH is a professor, author, childbirth and postpartum educator, certified doula, and lactation counselor. Baden, L.R., et al. CBD, which doesnt make you high, is used for medical marijuana to ease pain and other symptoms. If youve received a false positive, your doctors visit will determine that. Levofloxacin (Levaquin) and ofloxacin are the most likely of the quinolone antibiotics to cause a false positive urine test for opiates. Its important to follow package directions exactly. LSD. Leaving the dipstick in your urine stream for the exact amount of time allotted is also important. Is the stick always right? Journal of Forensic Sciences. (2004). (2013). What Is a Blood Pregnancy Test and How Does It Work? What Medications Can Cause A False Positive Pregnancy Test? Some states allow CBD oil, edibles, and other products to have up to 5% of the mind-altering chemical THC. These include labetalol (Trandate), doxylamine (Unisom), and tramadol (Ultram). Below we'll review a few that might have this effect. I would also like to sign up for a free GoodRx account, Written by Brian Leonard, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, Written by Divya Bhaskar, PharmD Candidate, Written by Rachel Feaster, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS, Written by Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP. Healthgrades Can Help. Extreme blood loss or loss of the reproductive organs can occur. Ecstasy/MDMA. Many liquid medications, vanilla extract, and breath-cleaning products often have ethanol, a form of simple grain alcohol. WebWhat are other conditions that can cause a positive test for hCG aside from pregnancy? Use of this website and any information contained herein is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. Parkinsons disease medications. The primary reason for a false negative test is performing the test at a very early stage of pregnancy. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you may notice symptoms such as severe, sharp pain on one side of your abdomen, vaginal bleeding, or dizziness. I. Urine Screening and Confirmation Results., MassachusettsMedical Society: Urine Abstinence Testing And Incidental Alcohol Exposure., Mayo Clinic: Urine Drug Screening: Practical Guide for Clinicians., National Center for Biotechnology Information: Investigation of interference by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in urine tests for abused drugs, False positive urine drug screens from quinine in tonic water, Cardiac Complications of Unwitting Co-injection of Quinine/Quinidine with Heroin in an Intravenous Drug User, The dextromethorphan defense: dextromethorphan and the opioid screen, A positive cannabinoids workplace drug test following the ingestion of commercially available hemp seed oil, Efavirenz use may cause false positive result for marijuana, Urine opiate screening: false-positive result with levofloxacin, An Overview of Clinical Pharmacology of Ibuprofen., National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens: What is Hemp?, National Institute on Drug Abuse: Misuse of Prescription Drugs, Benzodiazepines and Opioids., Operation Supplement Safety: Weight-Loss Prescription Drugs: Phentermine., Pharmacokinetics in Psychiatry and Neurology: Urine drug screens: Considerations for the psychiatric pharmacist., Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Clinical Drug Testing in Primary Care, Methadone., The Brookings Institution: The Farm Bill, hemp legalization and the status of CBD: An explainer., U.S. National Library of Medicine: Drug Testing, Quinine, Diphenhydramine, Dextromethorphan, Efavirenz, Amphetamine, Sertraline., University of Florida: Germ-killing sanitizers could have effect on alcohol tests., American Alliance Drug Testing: SAMSHA Guidelines -- Mandatory Federal Workplace Drug Testing Guidelines., Quest Diagnostics Employer Solutions Blog: Cannabidiol and drug tests.. Many women search for what are the reasons for false-positive pregnancy tests. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Usually, you will have a heavy period soon after your period is normally due. If the urine is too diluted, it may not give an accurate response. It is rare but possible to have a false-positive pregnancy test. Keep in mind that pregnancy test results are effective for a short while only. Rachel Gurevich is a fertility advocate, author, and recipient of The Hope Award for Achievement, from Resolve: The National Infertility Association. Several factors, including pollution of the sample or wrong operations of the doctor, can even affect the result of a pregnancy test performed on blood. What are the telltale early symptoms of pregnancy? Theyre not foolproof, however. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious medical emergency and must be addressed immediately. If youre taking fertility medications, reach out If you get a positive result you can almost certainly assume you are pregnant, at which point you should visit your GP to confirm the news, and then you can spend the next nine or so months cooking your human child (psst: read up on which celebs are currently expecting).pregnant, at which That may lead to false-positive results. Use the test when your urine is very concentrated, like when you first wake up in the morning. False positive phencyclidine result on urine drug testing: a little known cause. The four main causes that may lead to a false positive pregnancy test include a chemical pregnancy, a recent miscarriage, medication or a defective test. Alikhan M, et al. How Maintenance Medication Can Benefit Women with Advanced Ovarian Cancer. Librium (chlordiazepoxide), an anti-anxiety medication also used to control agitation during alcohol withdrawal, can cause false positive pregnancy results in urine pregnancy tests, Medline Plus states, but blood tests will not show false positive results. The latter is an older tranquilizer drug thats often found in people who overdose on opioids. GoodRx is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the third-party brands identified. It may cause a false-positive reading on an at-home pregnancy test, particularly if the test is taken too early. Todays drug tests can detect even trace amounts of alcohol, and for longer after exposure. Frequency of false positive amphetamine screens due to bupropion using the Syva Emit II Immunoassay. As the current pregnancy kits have high sensitivity for hCG hormone, any exogenous hCG administered to the patient may be detected by pregnancy kits. 589. Melanson, S.E.F., et al. You can unsubscribe at any time. These include: There is always a chance that you may have a false-positive pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are a common tool used to find out if youre expecting. You already know the answer, but you should also know that many other factors can also affect your pregnancy result. Phentermine could raise a false red flag in your drug screen if you dont have a medical reason for taking amphetamines. But this is rare. A false-positive might happen if you had a pregnancy loss soon after the fertilized egg attached to the uterine lining.You also may get a false-positive if you take a pregnancy test soon after taking fertility medicine that contains HCG . Trazodone, meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (an hallucinogenic drug and trazodone metabolite), and the hallucinogen trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine cross-react with the EMITII ecstasy immunoassay in urine. But on drug screens, it can show up as methadone, which helps people quit heroin or other opiates and can be addictive. Many women query about what medications can cause a false positive pregnancy test. WebMedications that may cause a false positive pregnancy: Antihistamines Antianxiety medications Antipsychotics Diuretics Parkinsons disease medications Methadone If its part of a medical work-up. Often, people may attempt to take a pregnancy test but may not perform it correctly. She has worked with ground and helicopter ambulances (CCP-C, CFRN), ER, ICU, primary care, specialty care, psychiatric, and wilderness medicine. What medications can cause a false positive pregnancy test? Its also important to use the test when your urine isnt diluted excessively with water. It cant continue to become a normal pregnancy and it can be damaging to the woman if left untreated.. Committee Opinion No. Fertility Plus recommends waiting 7 days after a 2,500 International Unit (IU) injection, 10 days after a 5,000 IU injection, and 14 days after a 10,000 IU injection to test. Its also important to remember that once you have a positive pregnancy test, its important to talk with your doctor about beginning early prenatal care. certain medications containing the hCG hormone, like some fertility treatments. Anti-epileptic medication can cause false positive results. Its important to read and follow the test instructions carefully. Fraser, A.D., et al. Note: Since these above mentioned medications affect HCG levels in the urine, it is therefore important to stop taking these medications for a while before taking a pregnancy test. In this scenario, the pregnancy test provides a positive result even when there is no pregnancy. This is a rare one, but some medical conditions such as certain kinds of cancer, chronic kidney disease, as well as problems with your ovaries could cause the body to have increased levels of HCG and potentially lead to a false-positive pregnancy test. They may be able to run a second test to confirm whether these results are accurate or not. Reading the test after the recommended time may cause you to mistakenly believe you are pregnant. If youre prescribed methylphenidate for ADHD, you shouldnt have to worry about having a positive drug result for amphetamines. https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/fertility-medications/, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682165.html, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682116.html, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682040.html, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682121.html, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682119.html, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682867.html, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682237.html, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003432.htm, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682284.html, https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/pregnancy-tests, Antipsychotics often used to treat schizophrenia, such as. Read on to learn more about false positives on home pregnancy tests. Anti-nausea drugs, including prochlorperazine, perphenazine, chlorpromazine and promethazine Sedatives that are used before and after surgery or during labor, such as promethazine Importantly, most medicines will not affect the results of a home pregnancy test. Alcohol and illicit drugs also dont affect pregnancy test results. Certain medications, such as those used in assisted reproductive technology and even some antidepressants, can cause a false positive reading, says Dr. Williams. (2006). Investigation of interference by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in urine tests for abused drugs. Your healthcare provider may request a urine drug test to make sure there arent other substances in your system that could be dangerous when combined with opioids. This hormone helps your body maintain the pregnancy. Pregnancy test kits detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that starts to rise when a sperm fertilizes an egg. Not cleaning the cup that comes with certain pregnancy test kits can also cause contamination of the urine sample and affect your results. WebWhat can cause 3 false positive pregnancy test? Home pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of the pregnancy hormone hCG in your urine. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) are in a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). What Can Cause a False Pregnancy Test? A blood test will confirm that youre pregnant. masso 10 March 2023. Taking antibiotics wont make your pregnancy test positive, but if youre on fertility medications, containing hCG (these are given by injection) you may get a false Set a timer when it is time to wait for the results and read them according to the recommended window of time. Its made with the leaves of the same plant that cocaine comes from. The home pregnancy test can be done at home. (2004). Be sure to read the directions for your pregnancy test and follow them according to the manufacturers recommendations. Kale, N. (2019). Did I just have a miscarriage or false positive? Multiple medications can cause false positive results. Coca tea could affect your screening for up to 36 hours after youve sipped it. An untreated ectopic pregnancy can be a medical emergency. It refers to an early pregnancy loss. Various medications also interfere with the testing of pregnancy through pregnancy kits and may cause false-positive results. Clinical Chemistry. Common ones are fertility-boosting medications, such as Pregnyl, Profasi, Novarel and Ovidrel.