Home pregnancy tests are quite reliable at detecting pregnancy when used correctly. The tests detect the presence of the hormone hCG in urine to indicate a pregnancy. You see, hCG is only produced in high levels in your body when you’re pregnant. These levels peak around the 8th to 11th week of pregnancy. Home pregnancy tests cannot accurately determine the level of hCG, only its presence. Also, the darkness of the test line is not an indicator of the hormone level; the levels can vary based on the time of day and the amount of water you’ve been drinking. So, you can get a positive pregnancy test while miscarrying.

When you miscarry, your body will stop the production of hCG and levels will gradually return to their pre-pregnancy baseline. hCG levels can vary depending on the individual, the stage of pregnancy, and the type of pregnancy. Accordingly, how long hCG stays in your system after a miscarriage will depend on how far along you were in your pregnancy. Levels may persist for a time even after a miscarriage, but will generally return to their baseline within 6 weeks. So, during this time you could have a positive pregnancy test while miscarrying.

So, if you’re wondering, “Can a pregnancy test detect a miscarriage?” the answer is, “No.” The only time a home pregnancy test result can suggest miscarriage is if you have a pregnancy test showing a negative result after having previously taken several pregnancy tests that were positive. Common symptoms of miscarriage include persistent cramping, bleeding, low pelvic or back pain, and loss of “pregnancy symptoms”.

If you are having miscarriage symptoms and want an answer on whether your pregnancy is viable, don’t rely on a home pregnancy test–see a doctor instead. You will likely need a blood test, a pelvic exam, and an ultrasound.