# The Case of the Positive Pregnancy Pretender: A Potential Cause of Erroneous Test Results in Active-Duty Personnel

## TL;DR

A case report shows that using beta-hCG for weight loss can cause false-positive pregnancy tests in active-duty military personnel.

## Contribution

Highlights beta-hCG supplementation as a novel cause of false-positive urine pregnancy tests.

## Key findings

- False-positive urine pregnancy tests can result from beta-hCG injections for weight loss.
- Clinicians should avoid using exogenous beta-hCG due to testing complications.
- Awareness of beta-hCG use is important for accurate pregnancy evaluation.

## Abstract

The detection of pregnancy is common among those who participate in the care of reproductive-age females. This is especially true in the medical care of active-duty personnel in the armed forces. Considering the impact of a positive urine pregnancy test in this population, it is important to recognize the possibility of false-positive results and their causes. In this case, we explore a false-positive urine pregnancy test due to injectable positive beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) supplementation used for weight loss. This report concludes that the use of exogenous beta-hCG by physicians and other clinicians should be avoided. Additionally, clinicians should be aware of its use in the community and its possible effect on laboratory testing used to evaluate for pregnancy.