A New Microhemagglutination Inhibition Pregnancy Test

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Abstract
The human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) level in urine is determined by the inhibition of the reaction between HCG-coated sheep erythrocytes and anti-HCG. Sheep erythrocytes are coated with HCG, using glutaraldehyde as a coupling agent. The preparation is stable for a month at 4 C. The reagents are first standardized for sensitivity of hemagglutination inhibition by HCG solutions. Suitably diluted anti-HCG is tested against serial dilutions of urine for hemagglutination inhibition. A urine control, a cell control, and an antigen-antibody control are included in the test. A microtiter system is used throughout. The test can be adjusted to detect as little as 0.25 I.U. per ml. of HCG. A cross-reaction with luteotropic hormone was detected at a low hormonal level (0.25 I.U./ml.) in some young and some menopausal women. The new technic and a commercially available kit yielded similar results. Reproducible, fast, and economical quantitation of HCG in urine is possible by this method.

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