Is
a faint line positive?
In most cases, if the manufacturers instructions were followed
properly, a faint line is a positive pregnancy test. Generally,
any line that shows up is a result of HCG
being detected in your urine. If you are unsure if you see
a line or for further confirmation, it is a good idea to take
a second test in a day or two.
Reasons
you might see a faint line on a home pregnancy test
Testing
to early. Testing too early is one of the most common
reasons for not getting accurate results from a home pregnancy
test. Home pregnancy tests determine pregnancy by detecting
the levels of HCG
(Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in your urine.
During the first few weeks of pregnancy, HCG
levels in a woman's body double every two to
three days. A few days can make a big difference in how much
HCG is detected in your urine. Testing should be done no earlier
than ten days after ovulation or ideally after having missed
your period.
Miscalculating
expected period. Another common problem with testing
is miscalculating when your period is due. Charting
your menstrual cycle and writing down your cycle
dates can help with any confusion.
Diluted
urine. It was once recommended to only use first
morning urine for pregnancy testing. Most tests on the market
today can be used any time of day. However, if you are testing
early, testing with first morning urine may be a good idea.
The reason is that early morning urine is more concentrated
than urine throughout the day.
Pregnancy
test sensitivity. Some home pregnancy tests are more
sensitive than others. Some tests can detect pregnancy with
HCG levels as low as 20 mIU and other tests require HCG levels
of 100 mIU to detect pregnancy. A 20 mIU home pregnancy test
may show a stronger line than a 100 mIU test.
Expired
test or improperly stored pregnancy test. Make sure
to check the expiration date on your pregnancy test as well
as the storage instructions. An expired test or improperly
stored pregnancy test may not work accurately.
Evaporation
line. An evaporation line is caused by urine evaporating
from a pregnancy test. The line results in the area where
a positive result would normally be seen. Evaporation lines
generally do not have any color to them. They look more like
a shadow.
Reading
tests results after manufacturer's recommended time.
A faint positive test result may occur if you read the pregnancy
test after the manufacturer's recommended time. Some pregnancy
tests will continue to react to urine and produce a false
positve result if read after recommended time period.
Chemical
pregnancy. A chemical pregnancy is a pregnancy that
produces HCG but does not develop into normal pregnancy. It
is a term used to describe a very early miscarriage.
Certain
medications. Certain medications such as thorazine
and fertility medications that contain HCG may result in a
false positive or a faint line on a home pregnancy test.
If
you have a faint line on a pregnancy test, and you are not
sure of the results, retest or consult your doctor for more
information. If you have a missed period consult your doctor.
