Do two lines on a pregnancy test stick definitely mean pregnancy?
Disease description:
I used a pregnancy test strip, and it showed two lines. I want to confirm whether two lines on a pregnancy test strip definitely indicate pregnancy. Could there be other conditions that lead to this result? I'm a bit worried that the result might not be accurate.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Pregnancy tests showing two lines usually indicate pregnancy, but they cannot definitively confirm it.
Pregnancy tests primarily detect the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine, a hormone produced by the placenta after pregnancy. When the test detects a sufficiently high level of hCG, it displays a result with two lines. Although two lines strongly suggest pregnancy, they do not provide absolute confirmation.
Sometimes, pregnancy tests may produce false-positive results, indicating pregnancy when it is not actually present. This can be caused by improper test usage, abnormal hormone levels, or other factors. Additionally, certain medications might interfere with test results, such as those containing human chorionic gonadotropin. Furthermore, pregnancy tests can also yield false-negative results, where a person is actually pregnant but the test fails to detect it.
When a pregnancy test displays two lines, it is likely indicative of pregnancy; however, to ensure accuracy, it is recommended to confirm with a blood hCG test or ultrasound at a medical facility. Early medical consultation and prenatal care are beneficial for both maternal and fetal health.
