When to Take a Pregnancy Test After Abortion (And Why Clearblue Can Give a False Result)

Quick Overview

You should wait at least 3 weeks after a medication abortion to take a pregnancy test. Over-the-counter tests like Clearblue are too sensitive and may show a false positive even when the abortion has worked. Instead, use a low-sensitivity test designed for post-abortion care, like the one provided in Top at Home’s abortion care kit. It detects whether the pregnancy hormone (hCG) remains at high levels - a more accurate sign of completion.

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Introduction

If you're considering a medication abortion, or have recently taken abortion pills, you may be wondering how to check if it worked. One of the most common methods is taking a pregnancy test, but not all pregnancy tests are the same. Many people ask:

“Can I just take a Clearblue test to check if the abortion worked?”‍

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The short answer is - No.‍

Clearblue and other over-the-counter pregnancy tests aren't designed for post-abortion use. In this UK-based guide, we’ll explain why, including:

• What happens to your hCG levels after abortion
• How standard tests can give false positives
• Why low-sensitivity tests are recommended by both public and private providers
• What to do after a positive result
• How to interpret common post-treatment questions

It’s normal to have questions or feel uncertain after a medication abortion. Always follow the instructions from your provider for the most accurate results.

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Who is this guide for?

This post is for you if:

• You're exploring your pregnancy options after a positive test
• You’re confused by faint lines, false negatives, or which test to use
• You’re considering pills by post and want to understand what to expect
• You recently completed a medication abortion and want to confirm it worked

Whether you're using public NHS services, or a private telemedicine abortion provider like Top at Home, this guide will walk you through exactly what you need to know.

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Why Standard Pregnancy Tests (Like Clearblue) Can Show a False Positive After Abortion

Most shop-bought pregnancy tests - including Clearblue - detect hCG, a hormone that rises in early pregnancy.

But after a medication abortion, hCG can stay in your system for up to two months, even if the abortion was successful. That means if you test too early, you might still see a positive result - even when you're no longer pregnant. This doesn’t mean the abortion failed. It just means your hCG levels haven’t dropped low enough yet for the test to turn negative.

In fact, standard tests can also confuse people in other ways:

• You could test positive, even if the abortion worked
  
• You could test negative too early, while hCG is still dropping
  
• You might experience unnecessary anxiety or doubt about your outcome

Clearblue and similar tests are designed to detect pregnancy, not confirm that it ended. That’s why post-abortion care providers - including Top at Home - use a different kind of test altogether.

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What Is the Best Post-Abortion Pregnancy Test?

Whether you go through a private provider like Top at Home, or a public option like the NHS, BPAS, MSI, or NUPAS - we all follow clinical guidance to recommend a low-sensitivity pregnancy test for post-abortion follow-up.

If you’re a Top at Home patient, your abortion care kit includes a Check4®-hCG(hl) pregnancy test - a professional-grade low-sensitivity test that detects if hCG is still above 1000 mIU/mL.

It’s designed specifically to confirm whether the abortion worked, and it won’t give you a false positive from lingering hormone levels.

This is not a classical pregnancy test. It’s only provided by professionals, for post-abortion use. That’s why low-sensitivity tests are considered best practice in both public and private abortion care in the UK.

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What makes it different?

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Common Questions We Get Asked‍

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1. How long does hCG stay in your system after an abortion?

hCG - also known as the pregnancy hormone - typically drops by 80-98% within the first 1-2 weeks after a medication abortion, but can remain detectable in your system for up to two months. This means a pregnancy test may still show positive even after a successful abortion, depending on your body’s hormone metabolism and gestation length.‍

2. What’s the cut-off for hCG levels post-abortion?

A non-pregnant person typically has less than 5 mIU/mL of hCG; standard home pregnancy tests can detect much lower levels, which is why they often show a false positive after abortion.

3. What is the minimum hCG level for pregnancy?

Pregnancy is usually detected when hCG levels reach 5-50 mIU/mL after implantation, and these levels double every 2-3 days in early pregnancy.

4. Can hCG cause miscarriage or abortion?

There is no evidence that hCG causes miscarriage or abortion. In fact, hCG is sometimes given as a treatment to try to prevent recurrent miscarriage, and is sometimes used in fertility treatments.

5. Can you still test positive 3 weeks after abortion?

Yes, you can still get a positive result on a pregnancy test 3 weeks after abortion because hCG may not have cleared from your system yet.

6. How long should I wait to do a pregnancy test after an abortion?

Wait at least 3 weeks before taking a pregnancy test after a medication abortion to reduce the risk of a false positive due to lingering hCG.

7. Why is my pregnancy test still positive 6 weeks after abortion?

A positive test 6 weeks post-abortion may mean your body is still clearing hCG or could indicate incomplete abortion—contact your provider if you’re unsure.

8. How do I know if my abortion is complete?

A low-sensitivity pregnancy test (like those used in post-abortion care) showing one line means the abortion is complete; if you’re still unsure, consult your provider or consider an ultrasound.

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After a Positive Test: What Are My Options?

If you’ve taken a test and it’s positive, your next step is a personal one, and no one can make it for you. Whether this was a long-awaited result or has come as a bit of a surprise, it can feel overwhelming. It’s understandable if you’re not sure what to do next

Some people will continue the pregnancy. Others may want to end it - and if you're still within 10 weeks, you're legally eligible in the UK to have a medication abortion (pills by post).

The most important thing to note is if you do want a medication abortion, we recommend the earlier you decide, the more straightforward and effective treatment will be.

👉 Check if you’re eligible for abortion pills by post →

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TL;DR: Post-Abortion Pregnancy Testing Guide

Here’s what you need to know about taking a pregnancy test after a medication abortion:

• Wait 2–3 weeks before testing to avoid a false positive.
• Avoid Clearblue and other high-sensitivity pregnancy tests.
• Use a low-sensitivity test (1000 mIU/mL) to confirm abortion success.
• False positives are common in the first month after abortion.
• If you’re unsure about your results, seek support from a registered provider.

For personalized guidance, always follow your provider’s instructions or reach out for support if you have concerns.

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Get Support from Top at Home

Top at Home is a CQC-registered telemedicine clinic providing safe, confidential abortion care across England and Wales. We offer same-day virtual consultations 7 days a week, with 24-hour delivery of MHRA-approved abortion pills - all for £399, including your complete care package.

What’s included in your pills-by-post abortion care:

• Personalised care from CQC-registered gynaecologists who specialise exclusively in medication abortion
• MHRA-approved abortion pills, pain relief, and a professional-grade low-sensitivity pregnancy test
• Discreet, 24-hour delivery in unmarked packaging
• Ongoing, compassionate aftercare - always available when you need it
• Prefer to speak in person? We also offer in-clinic consultations in London and Birmingham

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, you can check here:

👉 Check if you’re eligible for abortion pills by post

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Sources

MSI Reproductive Choices UK‍

PubMed‍

UK Government Report

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Written by: Dr. Aka (GMC 4275695), Medical Director, Top at Home

‍Reviewed by: Dr. Ohizua (GMC 4446275), Consultant Gynaecologist, Top at Home

‍Last Updated: July 3, 2025

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