For those of you who are planning a pregnancy, you must be very happy when the test pack results state that you are pregnant. However, you need to remember that these results are not necessarily 100% accurate you know.
Test pack is a pregnancy test kit that is sold freely and can be used independently. This tool works by detecting hormones human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) whose levels increase during pregnancy.
Most test pack manufacturers have a pregnancy detection capability that is 90% accurate. That is, even though it has a high level of accuracy, there is the possibility of error results that can be caused by various factors.
Understanding the hCG Hormone to Detect Pregnancy
The hormone hCG is produced by the placenta some time after the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall. In addition to the urine, this hormone can also be found in the blood.
A positive test pack result indicates that this tool has detected the presence of the hCG hormone in the sample being examined, namely urine. However, the presence of this hormone does not necessarily indicate pregnancy.
Positive Test Pack Results without Pregnancy
The following are some of the causes of the hormone hCG found in urine and blood in the absence of pregnancy:
1. Chemical pregnancy
A chemical pregnancy occurs when a fertilized embryo or egg does not implant properly or develop. This is what allows the test pack to detect the hCG hormone produced in early pregnancy. This condition is actually very common, but often goes unnoticed.
You need to remember that this condition is not caused by your fault, but is generally due to disorders in the uterus, such as scar tissue, uterine fibroids, or uterine deformities. Another cause is a lack of levels of certain hormones, such as progesterone, which can reduce the chances of the embryo growing and developing.
2. Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, usually because it gets stuck in a fallopian tube. This condition can occur if there are abnormalities in the fallopian tubes, inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes, or a history of uterine infection.
In addition to the fallopian tube, ectopic pregnancy can occur in the ovaries, cervix, or abdominal cavity. Even though the embryo in an ectopic pregnancy cannot develop, the body still produces the hormone hCG, so the test pack will show a positive result.
3. Just had a miscarriage or abortion
A pregnancy test result can remain positive after a woman has had an abortion or has had a miscarriage. This is because the hCG hormone levels that increase during pregnancy take time to fall.
As long as the hCG hormone is still in the blood and urine, the test pack will show a positive result. This hormone can remain in the body for several weeks afterward, until a new menstrual period.
4. Consumption of drugs containing hCG
The results of the test pack can also be influenced by the consumption of certain drugs, such as fertility drugs. A pregnancy test can be positive after taking medicines that contain the hormone hCG.
5. Tumors that produce hCG
Although very rare, the hormone hCG can also be produced by tumors. This can occur when the cells that are supposed to make up the placenta actually form a tumor.
6. User error
Although the accuracy of the test pack is quite high, you still need to be careful when using it. Pay attention to how to use it listed on the packaging, then make sure you read the results of the inspection according to the specified time. Don't forget to check the expiration date on the test pack.
So that the test pack results are more accurate
In order for the test pack results to be accurate, you need to use them correctly, according to the instructions for use listed on the product packaging. Remember, different products may have different ways of using them.
Waking up in the morning is the right time to use a test pack because the urine concentration is still concentrated. This makes hCG easier to detect. In addition, too soon to do the test can also result in inaccurate results. It's best to do the test about one week after your missed period.
Considering that the test pack still has the possibility to give inaccurate results, you need to confirm your pregnancy by checking with your obstetrician after getting a positive result from the test pack. In addition, you can also consult with your obstetrician about how to have a healthy pregnancy.