An inconclusive or unreadable result on a home pregnancy test indicates that the test is not valid. This means the test did not function correctly, preventing an accurate determination of pregnancy status. An example of this situation includes the appearance of no lines at all, or the appearance of a control line that is faint or absent when the test instructions specify a clear control line must be visible for the test to be considered working.
A result of this type necessitates repeating the test, as it provides no information about the presence or absence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is indicative of pregnancy. Such occurrences are frequently linked to improper test execution, expired test kits, or insufficient urine application. Historically, individuals would have been reliant on observable physical symptoms to suspect pregnancy; the advent of rapid home tests has provided a convenient method for early detection, but their reliability is contingent upon proper use and interpretation.