A question mark or similar flashing symbol on a digital pregnancy test indicates that the test run was invalid or inconclusive. This symbol does not represent a positive or negative result. The error message is a technical signal that the device could not successfully complete its internal analysis of the urine sample. This means the test failed to produce a reliable reading of your pregnancy status, requiring a new test for a definitive result.
Primary Causes of the Error Symbol
The appearance of an error symbol often stems from a technical failure to adequately process the urine sample. The most frequent reason is insufficient absorption, meaning the test strip did not collect enough urine to fully saturate the necessary chemical reaction zones. Conversely, applying too much urine can also flood the test strip, disrupting the proper capillary flow required for the reaction. These issues prevent the internal components from sensing the sample and validating the test run.
Errors can also occur if the test is read outside of the manufacturer’s specified time window. Digital tests are programmed to analyze the chemical reaction within a set number of minutes, and checking the display too early or too late can lead to a system error. The error code may also point to a hardware issue, such as a low or dead internal battery, especially if the device has been stored for an extended period. Manufacturing defects or using an expired test, where the chemical reagents have degraded, can also prevent the test from functioning as designed.
Immediate Action and Retesting Guidelines
When an error symbol appears, discard the faulty test immediately, as it cannot be reused. Review the instruction leaflet to identify the specific error code and confirm the proper testing technique. Before retesting, purchase a new test, perhaps from a different batch or brand, to rule out a manufacturing defect.
Maximizing Accuracy
To maximize the chance of an accurate result, wait at least 48 to 72 hours before testing again. This waiting period is important because the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)—the hormone detected by the test—doubles every two to three days in early pregnancy. Using the first-morning urine sample is also highly recommended, as this is when the urine is most concentrated. Avoid consuming excessive fluids in the hours leading up to the retest to prevent the urine sample from being diluted.
The Technology Behind Digital Test Failure
Digital pregnancy tests use an electronic reader to interpret the results of a standard immunoassay strip. Once the absorbent tip is saturated, the urine sample moves up the strip by capillary action, carrying antibodies that bind to any hCG present. The electronic component scans specific reaction zones, including a dedicated control line. The error symbol appears when the test’s microprocessors fail to register a signal from this internal control mechanism, indicating the entire testing process was compromised. This sophisticated internal validation step distinguishes the digital test’s error symbol from the simple absence of a control line on a traditional test.