HCG (qualitative - urine)

Alternative names:

beta-HCG - qualitative - urine

What the risks are:

There are essentially no risks (except for "false positive" or "false negative" results).

Special considerations:

False positive tests may occur when certain hormones are increased (such as after menopause when taking hormone supplements).

Incorrect (false positive or false negative) results may occur with:

• blood in the urine
• protein in the urine
• use of tranquilizer medications (e.g., Compazine, Thorazine)
• use of penicillin or methadone
• urinary tract infections
• hepatitis

A pregnancy test, including home pregnancy test when properly performed, is considered to be about 98% accurate. "Positive" results are more likely to be accurate than "negative" results. When the test is negative but pregnancy is still suspected, the test should be repeated in 1 week.