Pregnancy Forum - Sensitivity and accuracy of pregnancy tests

Pregnancy Forum > Pregnancy Forum > Sensitivity and accuracy of pregnancy tests

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Q: Sensitivity and accuracy of pregnancy tests

asked by: DoctorQuestion on February 19th, 2009

I had my period on jan 23 but was supposed to get it on jan 8. i had spotting on the 8th, cramps all month,all pregnancy symptoms and discharge like i always did with my last 2 pregnancies. now i still havent had my period and my breasts seem to be getting bigger and heavier to me alteast and i feel bloated, urination a lot, clear discharge,and tired all the time. i have taken pregnancy tests all negative and i was just wondering if i could be pregnant but the tests say negative?

Replies(1)

Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD

replied on February 20th, 2009

Pregnancy Answer A5831

Every test has its own sensitivity. It means that in certain cases the result will not show the true condition. The manufacturers try to decrease the rate of mistakes to as low as possible, but false results can occur. While the number of tests taken increases, the probability that the results are wrong decreases. You might want to visit your gynecologist and have laboratory tests and a pelvic exam to determine if you are pregnant. The most sure early test for pregnancy is an ultrasound. An ultrasound helps to visualize the embryo when it is big enough.

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