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A member asked:

Is it likely for a pregnancy urine test to fail with ectopic pregnancy? i have tried a urine test 3 days after missed period. the test was taken in the morning

2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Geoffrey Rutledge
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
There : There is a chance, due to lower pregnancy hormone levels, that an ectopic pregnancy will go undetected via a urine pregnancy test. If you suspect an ectopic pregnancy and are experiencing signs/symptoms (lower abdominal pains, vaginal spotting, missed period) you must seek medical attention right away. The pregnancy can be verified via a blood test, and ectopic via ultrasound. An ectopic pregnancy can be life threating, causing fallopian tubes to rupture and bleed. Other reasons for a missed period can be increased physical activity, stress, hormonal changes and malnutrition.
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Dr. Michael Macri
35 years experience
Yes: Urine pregnancy test have improved in sensitivity of the last 10 years however, if you body didn't secret enough of the urine pregnancy hormone yet ( sometimes 3 days too early)..; you may get a negative test whereas if you waited a few more days it would have been positive.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Oct 3, 2016

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