HPT Questions/Confusion - Infertility Message Board

RwL · 10-09-2008, 06:38 AM

Hi Ladies,

Against my better judgment I took an HPT this morning and it came out negative. My beta was scheduled for today but I can't go so I'm going tomorrow instead. I figured that since I was supposed to have beta today that taking the HPT would give me an "accurate" result. So here's where my question comes in....

The brand I used was First Response - Rapid Result. I took the test, got the negative and then noticed on the box that it expired this past July. The instructions indicate not to use the test once it's expired. But I would think that only being a few months expired wouldn't cause the results to be skewed. What are your thoughts?

Also, DH and I can't remember when ovulation occurs during IVF... we are trying to figure out when I would get my period if this transfer didn't work. Is egg retrieval day considered ovulation, day 3 transfer, or some other date? I had day 5 transfer (blastacyst) on Monday, September 29. Assuming that egg retrieval is peak ovulation then I'm at 14/15 dpo.

I have no symptoms of AF...yet. Normally a few days before I get my period my urine turns darker and I have a slight brown discharge before the full on period starts. So far none of that has happened. I'm really confused, why would HPT be negative but I still have no symptoms of AF coming. Is it possible that my period is late? Is it possible that the test is wrong? Is there a better test to take?

Jessica

douglasap8 · 10-09-2008, 07:22 AM

Hi Jessica,

I've been thinking of you and hoping I'd hear a good result from you soon. Please try not to fret about the hpt. There have been women before you who have gotten negatives on hpts, even after a positive blood test. You could very well be running into a false negative because it has expired, or, you may be one of those "lucky" ladies who just don't register on them!

As for a comparitive date on ovulation, it would be the day of your egg retrieval. Tomorrow will be here before you know it! In the meantime, have a good holiday today! - April

RwL · 10-09-2008, 07:45 AM

Hi April,

I knew I shouldn't have taken the HPT but for once I just wanted a cycle to go "normal"....take the HPT and get my BFP. This is the first transfer that I didn't get any spotting or any other weird things so I was becoming cautiously hopeful. You read some of the other posts and ladies took an HPT several days before beta and got a faint positive. Why isn't that happening with me?

Intellectually I know that the negative could be a false negative, expired test, HPTs may not work for me, etc. but it doesn't make it easier. I'm not distraught because for some reason I'm just "feeling" that the test is wrong (I hope I'm not setting myself up for a HUGE disappointment tomorrow). And the totally fickle thing about this whole thing is that if by some miracle I do get a positive beta tomorrow then there is a part of me that is saddened that I couldn't experience the joy of seeing a positive HPT. I know it's totally silly and ridiculous but I would have liked to have gotten up in the morning, taken an HPT, seen a BFP and then run around the house like a crazy woman cause of the happiness. Once we do the bloodowork, assuming I get a positive, then the HPT won't have the same impact. Stupid... I know.

Jess

bilodeli · 10-09-2008, 07:53 AM

There is definately the possibility that you got a BFN due to expiration. Those tests need a minimal ammout of HCG to detect a BFP. I took mine and seriously it was a faint line, I almost missed it, I had to look twice and it took longer than the 3 minutes to appear. You have to assume that when they expire they loose their potential to be accurate, just like meds that expire, they say they lose their potency. I wouldn't worry to much about it, just try to remain positive, like April said tomorrow will be here before you know it. I am sorry you have to put yourself through all this stress. I know it sounds easier said than done. I am hoping and praying for your BFP. Lisa

Eva77 · 10-09-2008, 07:55 AM

Hi Jess first off good luck I really hope you get your BFP.As for those HPT's being accurate they arent.When I got my BFP with my beta RE called me and told me my results and that my numbers are 420.So DH and I went out and bought an HPT I wanted to finally see a positive HPT.So I took the HPT and it was negitive can you believe that with beta numbers at 420.I am currently 23 weeks pregnant with twins

So as you see my faith in HPT's are 0.Just wait for tomorrow only a blood test is accurate.Well hang in there and good luck.

Eva