Ask Our Expert - Accuracy of Blood HCG Tests

July 04, 2009

SEARCH drSpock

my account | sign in

Specializing in pregnancy and birth.


*	See full bio
*	See all questions answered by Dr. Greenfield

Ask Dr. Greenfield Accuracy of Blood HCG Tests

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Greenfield, How accurate are blood pregnancy tests? — Jenn in PA

ANSWER	November 20, 2001


Dear Jenn, A few months ago I would have said that they are exceedingly accurate, but recently there have been some reports of blood hCG tests that can give a false positive result. Some people who are not pregnant have antibodies in their blood that turn this particular pregnancy test a low level false positive. In these cases, the urine test is negative, since it uses a different chemical reaction. A negative blood pregnancy test always means not pregnant. When I get asked a question like this, I can never tell if the person wants the test to be positive and it's negative or vice versa. I hope that this answers your question, and that it turns out the way that you want it to. Take care. — by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

| |
| | |

THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information drSpock.com provides is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have a specific health concern. Mention or advertisement of any product, service, or brand does not constitute endorsement, guarantee, or recommendation by The Dr. Spock Company. Please read our full Terms of Service.