In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, the result of an early pregnancy test is positive, suggesting pregnancy.
After pregnancy, placental trophoblast cells will secrete human chorionic gonadotropin, and the principle of early pregnancy test paper is to detect the level of human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine, no matter whether it is an intrauterine pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy, there are trophoblast cells to secrete the hormone, so the early pregnancy test paper will indicate positive, that is, pregnant, and it is unable to differentiate between intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy.
HCG values are usually low in ectopic pregnancies compared to intrauterine pregnancies, but continuous monitoring of blood HCG levels is required to have any suspicion. In general, the most direct way to determine whether a pregnancy is intrauterine or extrauterine is to have an ultrasound, which can visualize the gestational sac inside or outside the uterus.