Can toilet water cause false positive pregnancy tests? The simple answer is no, and it only leads to a false result. Through a thorough examination of scientific studies, expert opinions, and relevant information, we deep dive into the factors that relate to pregnancy. So, we provide different tips to make sure to get positive results.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
There are different modes to check whether someone has conceived or not. Thus, by checking a hormone produced by the placenta, we detect pregnancy. This hormone is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). It is difficult to get accurate results. But it also helps to make decisions for pregnancy, parental care, health care, and daily life.
Why Can Toilet Water Cause False Positive Pregnancy Tests?
Pregnancy tests are mostly designed by a hormone in the urine of females. So, it is not found in toilet water. If you go through the testing from toilet water then it leads to false results.
Variations in hCG Levels
There are many contaminants in toilet water that can affect the test ability of the hCG level. So, if you take pregnancy tests with toilet water then it may show the hCG level from previous urine. Thus, the result will be false.
Indefinite Reliability
Often there are different tests conducted by using toilet water. These cases do not guarantee perfect results. But, there are a few reasons like the cleanliness of toilets that affect the quality of results.
Hygienic Clear Cup For Sample
To get perfect results it is important to use hygienic clear cups for urine samples. You have to use a dry and clean cup and then follow all the instructions given by the manufacturer. It helps to stop potential contaminants and provides the most accurate results.
Reasons for False Positive Pregnancy Tests
Chemical Pregnancy
When a fertilized egg fails to implant in the uterus and does not grow then it is nothing but chemical pregnancy. In this situation, the hormone hCG rises for a short time and leads to false positive results. This pregnancy is most followed by regular menstrual periods.
Ectopic Pregnancy
When a fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube then an ectopic pregnancy occurs. In ectopic pregnancies, the hCG level is high and leads to false positive test results. This type of pregnancy is dangerous. So, it should need immediate treatment by a medical officer.
Fading Lines
When urine has dried during the pregnancy test two faint lines appear. You can take it as a positive result but it may appear due to evaporation of the urine sample. To stop these ambiguities, examine the results within the given timeframe.
Medications
Taking medicines for conceiving is another cause of false positive pregnancy tests. In this situation, you have to consult your doctor so they may interfere with your test results.
Outdated Tests
If you use outdated pregnancy tests or use expired tests, it will lead you to false results. You have to check the expiry date before testing. If you find the test strip expired then it is best for you to use the new product.
Contents of Toilet Water on Pregnancy Test
Below are some contents that are present in toilet water which you use for pregnancy tests.
Impurities
Toilet water consists of contaminants that will definitely affect pregnancy test results. It will lead you to wrong readings on the pregnancy checker tool.
Substances
There are different substances in toilet water like cleaning agents and other chemicals. These substances can change the way the pregnancy test is performed. So, it will lead you to false results. So, it is important to stop revealing the test to substances to ensure perfect results.
Microorganisms
Tiny living things consisting of toilet water are microorganisms. These germs make it difficult to give the correct results. Because they are very small and spread in a wide range. So, you have to use a hygienic urine cup and give a clean sample, which can avoid false results.
Dilution Of Urine Sample
When you mix urine with toilet water it becomes diluted. Thus, diluted samples can make pregnancy tests difficult to detect hCG levels. So, the best method to avoid this issue is to collect urine samples in a hygienic cup. And make sure the cup you are using for dipping strips into it is already dry. Then you fill it with urine and check it.
How to Avoid False Positives Due to Toilet Water?
1. Collect a Clean Urine Sample
It is important to have a clean urine sample for accurate results. A contaminated sample could provide wrong readings.
Here are a few tips for collecting appropriate samples.
Clean Container
Using a clean and dry container is vital. It does not contain contaminants from toilet water and will ensure accurate results. Moreover, always use a new container for retesting.
Collect Midstream Urine
Midstream urine samples are the best for pregnancy tests. Midstream is to start urinating and collect samples midway through. It helps to avoid contaminants that could alter test results.
2. Test Storage and Usage
Storage and usage two are the main components of testing. Hence taking extra care of both will ensure test result accuracy.
Check Expiration Dates
Pregnancy kits have expiry dates, hence always look for a kit that has a long expiry date and is out of production. Since expired kits will give false results.
Storing Tests Recommended Place
Avoid placing samples in direct sunlight and in a moisturized place. Improper storage could damage the sample and impact its accuracy.
3. Test Timing
The pregnancy test timing can also change the outcome of the test. Here are key points to consider for determining timing.
Morning Testing
The best time to take a pregnancy test is in the morning when you go to the washroom for the first urine of the day. Since the hCG levels are at their highest, hence chances of accuracy are also high.
Give Time After Missed Period
Do not rush to take a pregnancy test, so wait for at least a week after you have missed a period before taking a test. The purpose of giving this much time is to let hCG levels increase, so the results are accurate.
4. Consult Healthcare Professionals
Medical practitioners are always there to seek advice. Since they are professionals; they are always helpful in determining the accuracy. Moreover, if unsure, they have facilities to retest by using blood or ultrasound.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are the most reliable source for determining pregnancy. If you are unsure about the line test or digital tests, medical doctors can take a blood sample for that.
False Positives Results
Discussing results and conditions with healthcare practitioners can help you improve trust levels. In case of getting a false-positive result, they can give you better advice. You stay in touch with your doctor and talk about your conditions to seek guidance.
Limitations of Home Pregnancy Tests
Home pregnancy tests have limitations. So, do not rely on them as they can give inappropriate results. Always get in touch with a doctor to ensure the accuracy of your home pregnancy tests.
Also Read:
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Blank Pregnancy Test: False Negative or Something Else?
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How Should You Call In Sick While Pregnant?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pouring water on a pregnancy test make it negative?
Yes! Water can dilute the sample thus resulting in inaccurate tests. Thus, avoid pouring water on the sample so that hCG levels are not altered.
What should I do if I dipped a pregnancy test in toilet water and got a positive result?
We recommend retaking the test. Because toilet water can contaminate samples resulting in false results. Likewise, using a clean sample can provide accurate outcomes.
Does dipping a pregnancy test in toilet water a reliable method?
Dipping a pregnancy kit in toilet water is not a reliable method. Because it contaminates the water leading to inaccurate results.
Can you dip a pregnancy test in a cup of pee?
Yes! Dipping a pregnancy kit in a cup of pee is a recommended method. And it can give accurate results as the container is free from contaminants.
Can you dip an ovulation test in toilet water?
No! Dipping the ovulation test in toilet water is not good. As it can lead to inappropriate results.
How can a pregnancy calculator help determine the due date?
Pregnancy calculators can help to get the due date. You can do it by taking the first day of the last menstrual period. Add 280 days (or 40 weeks), the resultant value is your due date. Although it is not accurate but gives an estimated time of the baby’s arrival.
Final Thoughts
There are many cases in which pregnancy tests occur in toilet water. It may provide correct pregnancy results. These cases are not enough to serve as a basis for consistent accuracy. It is best to collect urine samples in a crystal-clear cup and dip the strip into it. Furthermore, you should also follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. And you can consult your doctor. He can give you such suitable tips to avoid such mistakes.
