Which of the following could cause a false-positive pregnancy test result?

• A. Recent pregnancy
• B. All of the above
• C. Medications
• D. Urinary tract infection

Answer: (B)

A false-positive pregnancy test happens when the test shows a positive result for pregnancy even though pregnancy isn’t present, because the test detects the hormone hCG in urine or blood. hCG can linger after a recent pregnancy, so a person who has recently been pregnant may still test positive for a while. Some medications, particularly fertility treatments that contain hCG or stimulate its production, can trigger a positive result even if there isn’t an ongoing pregnancy. In rare cases, substances in urine or factors related to infections such as a urinary tract infection can interfere with the test’s antibody reactions and produce a mistaken positive signal. Because these varied scenarios can all lead to a positive result without current pregnancy, all of the above could be correct. If in doubt, a repeat test or a serum hCG test with a clinician can help confirm.