How accurate are pregnancy tests after abortion?
The pregnancy hormone, HCG (human chorionic gonadatropin), can remain in the body for up to 60 days after an abortion. Similarly, HCG levels can be measurable for weeks after childbirth. This can lead to pregnancy tests with false positive results for women who take home pregnancy tests.
Women who use home pregnancy tests and who are concerned that pregnancy is continuing or another pregnancy has occurred can consult their health care provider to test for the precise levels of HCG in the blood, or have an ultrasound to check.