False positives can arise from several factors: - Cross-reactivity: Some substances share similar chemical structures, leading to non-specific binding in assays. - Contamination: Samples can be contaminated during collection, handling, or processing. - Metabolites: The presence of metabolites, which are by-products of metabolism, can sometimes result in positive test results. - Testing Errors: Human error or malfunctioning equipment can contribute to inaccuracies.