DISCORDANT HUMAN CHORIONIC-GONADOTROPIN RESULTS - CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 65  (2) , 211-219
Abstract
The phenomenon of discordant human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) results, in which some serum specimens are positive in 1 hCG detection procedure was demonstrated. Nine different quantitative hCG procedures were used to document discordant hCG results in 22 cases. A 2-site monoclonal antibody immunoradiometric assay had the least tendency to give aberrant low-positive hCG values in nonpregnant patients without neoplasms. Potential causes of discordant hCG results are discussed; guidelines for dealing with them are suggested. Recommended approaches include analysis in an alternate hCG detection procedure that uses a different technology for collection of antigen-antibody complex, dilution analysis and sequential hCG analysis.