Abstract
Evidence of implantation following either in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) or gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) was obtained by collecting blood on days 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 after oocyte recovery (day 0), and retrospectively measuring human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This was done using immunoradiometric assays for hCG, manufactured either by Serono Diagnostics Ltd. (MAIAclone) or Diagnostics Products Corporation (IRMA-count). The analysis of 63 serum samples by both kits showed a good correlation (r=0.99) but the Serono (y) method gave values which were consistently greater (y=1.58x+4.89) than those of the DPC (x) method. A comparison of the hCG profile of singleton pregnancies measured with either the Serono (n =33) or DPC (n=22) kits gave a similar relationship. These results suggest that great care must be taken when comparing results from different laboratories using different kits. Also, consideration must be given to the possible loss of a continuous database should a laboratory change kit.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Grudzinskas JG, Westergaard JG, Teisner B: Biochemical assessment of placental function: Early pregnancy. Clin Obstet Gynaecol 1986;13:553–569
Mitchell, HDC, Bagshawe KD: Human chorionic gonatrophin.In Hormone Assays and Their Clinical Application, JL Loraine, ET Bell (eds.) Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone, 1976, p 141.
Yamashita T, Okamoto S, Thomas A, McLachlan V, Healy DL: Predicting pregnancy outcome after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer using oestradiol, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin β-subunit. Fertil Steril 1989; 51:304–309
Englert Y, Roger M, Belaisch-Allart J, Jondet M, Frydman R, Testart J: Delayed appearance of plasmatic chorionic gonadotropin in pregnancies after in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer. Fertil Steril 1984;42:835–838
Remorgida V, Anserini P, Costa M, Gaggero G, Groce S, Capitanio GL: Gamete intrafallopian transfer and plasma chorionic gonadotropin dynamics: Evidence of a delayed appearance. J Vitro Fert Embryo Trans 1988;5:195–198
Hay DL: Discordant and variable production of human chorinic gonadotrophin and its free α- and β-subunits in early pregnancy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1985;61:1195–1200
Heip J, Liu Y, Devroey P, Naaktgeboren N, Van Steirteghem AC: Evaluation of radiommunoassays using mono- and polyclonal antibodies for the quantitation of human chorionic gonadotrophin in early pregnancy. Ann Biol Clin (Paris) 1986;44:131–138
Jones HW Jr, Acosta AA, Andrews MC, Garcia JE, Jones GS, Mantzavinos T, McDowell J, Sandow BA, Veeck L, Whibley TW, Wilkes CA, Wright GL Jr: What is a pregnancy? A question for programs of in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 1983;40:728–733
Confino E, Demir RH, Friberg J, Gleicher N: The predictive value of hCG beta subunit levels in pregnancies achieved by in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer: An international collaborative study. Fertil Steril 1986;45:526–531
Batzen FR, Schloff S, Goldfarb AF, Corson SL: Serial β-subunit human chorionic gonadotropin doubling time as a prognostic indicator of pregnancy outcome in an infertile population. Fertil Steril 1981;35:307–312
Kadar N, DeCherney AH, Romero R: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of the relative efficacy of single and serial chorionic gonadotropin determinations in the early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Fertil Steril 1982;37:542–547
Pittaway DE, Wentz AC: Evaluation of early pregnancy by serial chorionic gonadotropin determinations: A comparison of methods by receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. Fertil Steril 1985;43:529–533
Okamoto SH, Healy DL, Morrow LM, Rogers PAW, Trounson AO, Wood EC: Predictive value of plasma human chorionic gonadotrophin β-subunit in diagnosing ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Br Med J 1987;294:667–670
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Matson, P.L., Newman, M.C., Morroll, D. et al. Measurement of human chorionic gonadotropin during early pregnancy: A comparison of two immunoradiometric assays. J Assist Reprod Genet 7, 168–171 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01135683
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01135683