Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was analysed by a hCG-β-subunit radio-immunoassay (hCG-β-Ria) and a rapid serum test in uterine and peripheral blood in 29 cases of spontaneous abortion. The levels of hCG were significantly higher in uterine than in peripheral blood. The rapid serum test was correctly positive in all 29 samples of uterine and in 28 of peripheral blood.
In cases of spontaneous abortion the concentration of hCG is usually higher in blood from the uterus than in blood from an antecubital vein (1). This study was undertaken to evaluate the reliability of a rapid hCG test compared with a Ria method in uterine and peripheral maternal blood in cases suspected of early spontaneous miscarriage.