Gold standard test for measuring beta HCG – Obstetrics MCQ
Gold standard test for measuring ß HCG levels in serum is?
A. ELISA
B. Bioassay
C. Radioimmunoassay
D. Latex agglutination test
Correct answer : C. Radioimmunoassay
Radioimmunoassay is the most sensitive test for measurement of ß HCG levels in serum.
ELISA plate
Immunological tests for diagnosis of pregnancy
Immunological tests for the diagnosis of pregnancy depend on the detection of ß HCG in the maternal serum or urine. They are of various types:
- Agglutination inhibition test
- Direct agglutination test
- Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
- Fluoroimmunoassay (FIA)
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
- Immunoradiometric assay (IRMA)
Other uses of ß HCG testing:
- Diagnosing ectopic pregnancy
- Monitoring patients who have underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer
- Follow up of patients after treatment of hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma
Ref: DC Dutta’s Textbook of Obstetrics by Hiralal Konar, 7th ed, p66
