HCG Levels After Miscarriage: When Will a Home Pregnancy Test Be Negative?

Question
How long after a miscarriage does it take for HCG levels to drop so a home preg test would come back negative?  I am approx 8 weeks pregnant and started bleeding (normal time for monthly period and was bleeding like a period) and I called my ob/gyn who told me that if it's a miscarriage, all we can do is wait.  I've taken a home preg test and it's still positive.  I just wanted to know how long (if I did indeed miscarry) it would be before I show up negative.  I see my MD next Tuesday.  THANKS

Answer
Hi Melissa,

If you are 8 weeks and you are miscarrying, you are likely to need a D&C to scrape the tissue from the uterus.  Until you pass all of the tissue, you are likely to see a positive result.  Now, your HCG levels will drop steadily if you are miscarrying.  Hopefully, your doctor will preform an ultrasound on Tuesday to see what is going on.  Everyone's body is different and your HCG levels may fall faster than someone elses depending on the circumstances.  Good luck.  I hope this helps!