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Optimization of Patient Management in the Gynecology Emergency Department Using Point-of-Care Beta hCG. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12071670. [PMID: 35885574 PMCID: PMC9318004 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Point-of-care testing (POCT) provides shorter turn-around times and, in many cases, potentially improves medical decision making. The AQT90 FLEX® benchtop immunoanalyzer (Radiometer Medical ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark) allows for the determination of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) in 18 min. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of measuring βhCG using the AQT90 analyzer in the gynecology emergency department (ED) compared to the standard practice of using central laboratory blood testing on the patient length of stay (LOS). Methods: The evaluation consisted of two parts. The first one, conducted in the central laboratory, focused on the analytical performances of the AQT βhCG assay. The second one, conducted in the ED, aimed at determining the impact of POCT βhCG implementation on the timeframe in which ED patients require βhCG assessment. Results: The within-lab imprecisions at the mean values of 17 and 287 IU/L were 2.7% and 3.7%, respectively. Using Deming regression (n = 60), the following equation was obtained in the central lab: AQT90 βhCG = 1.1 Roche βhCG—12.9 (r = 0.997). The implementation of POCT βhCG in the ED significantly reduced patient LOS (145 (90−212) min vs. 205 (155−265) with and without AQT90, respectively, p < 0.001). At the 2 IU/L decision level, a 99.7% agreement with the Roche assay was reported (kappa statistics, 0.99). Conclusions: We confirm that the analytical qualities of the AQT 90 were in line with those obtained in the central lab. The implementation of the POCT βhCG is associated with a shorter LOS in the ED due to the faster availability of the results and the faster decision-making possibilities.
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Li P, Ge B, Ou LML, Yao Z, Yu HZ. DNA-Redox Cation Interaction Improves the Sensitivity of an Electrochemical Immunosensor for Protein Detection. SENSORS 2015; 15:20543-56. [PMID: 26307986 PMCID: PMC4570436 DOI: 10.3390/s150820543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A simple DNA-redox cation interaction enhancement strategy has been developed to improve the sensitivity of electrochemical immunosensors for protein detection. Instead of labeling with fluorophores or redox-active groups, the detection antibodies were tethered with DNA single strands. Based on the electrostatic interaction between redox cations ([Ru(NH3)6]3+) and negatively charged DNA backbone, enhanced electrochemical signals were obtained. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) detection has been performed as a trial analysis. A linear response range up to the concentration of 25 mIU/mL and a detection limit of 1.25 mIU/mL have been achieved, both are comparable with the ultrasensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests. The method also shows great selectivity towards hCG over other hormones such as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). By and large, our approach bears the merits of cost effectiveness and simplicity of instrumentation in comparison with conventional optical detection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Bixia Ge
- Biogate Laboratories Ltd., 110-4238 Lozells Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5A 0C4, Canada.
| | - Lily M-L Ou
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
- Biogate Laboratories Ltd., 110-4238 Lozells Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5A 0C4, Canada.
| | - Zhihui Yao
- Biogate Laboratories Ltd., 110-4238 Lozells Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5A 0C4, Canada.
| | - Hua-Zhong Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
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Chang CC, Chen CP, Lee CH, Chen CY, Lin CW. Colorimetric detection of human chorionic gonadotropin using catalytic gold nanoparticles and a peptide aptamer. Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 50:14443-6. [PMID: 25302679 DOI: 10.1039/c4cc06366j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We combined catalytic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with an hCG-specific peptide aptamer to create a simple, sensitive, label-free colorimetric assay for hCG. The applications of this colorimetric biosensor may be expanded by changing the peptide aptamer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chen Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan.
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Berger P, Sturgeon C. Pregnancy testing with hCG--future prospects. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2014; 25:637-48. [PMID: 25246381 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy tests for human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) are used widely in hospital and home settings. Assays measuring hCG also have uses in prenatal screening and oncology. The output from three recent international workshops provides a framework for reliable measurement of hCG. Requirements for future hCG assays include use of clear descriptive nomenclature, informed selection of antibodies of well-defined epitope specificities, and design of robust methods. Tests will be precisely characterized and calibrated in SI units using six International Reference Reagents (IRR) for hCG and variants, and the Fifth International Standard for hCG 07/364, making it possible to report clinical results in molar units. These measures will help to increase patient safety by reducing the risk of erroneous or misleading hCG results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Berger
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of Innsbruck, Rennweg 10, A6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Catharine Sturgeon
- UK NEQAS for Peptide Hormones, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK.
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Li X, Weng S, Ge B, Yao Z, Yu HZ. DVD technology-based molecular diagnosis platform: quantitative pregnancy test on a disc. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:1686-1694. [PMID: 24695902 DOI: 10.1039/c3lc51411k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A diagnosis platform based entirely on DVD technology was developed for on-site quantitation of molecular analytes of interest, e.g., human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine samples ("quantitative pregnancy test on a disc"). An hCG-specific monoclonal antibody-binding assay prepared on a regular DVD-R was labeled with nanogold-streptavidin conjugates for signal enhancement with a customized silver-staining protocol. An unmodified, conventional computer optical drive was used for assay reading, and free disc-quality analysis software for data processing. The performance (sensitivity and selectivity) of this DVD assay is comparable to that of well-established colorimetric methods (determination of optical darkness ratios) and standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). As validated by examining its linear correlation with the ELISA results on the same set of samples, the DVD assay promises to be a low-cost, multiplex, point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tool for physicians and even for individuals at home, producing prompt results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Li
- Laboratory of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control Systems (Ministry of Education), College of Physics and Optoelectronics, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi 030024, China.
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Furtado LV, Lehman CM, Thompson C, Grenache DG. Should the qualitative serum pregnancy test be considered obsolete? Am J Clin Pathol 2012; 137:194-202. [PMID: 22261443 DOI: 10.1309/ajcph1pjsa9twyoz] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Qualitative and quantitative serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) tests are used to diagnose pregnancy. We assessed physicians' perceptions and compared turnaround times (TATs) and performance characteristics of both tests. We surveyed 1,058 physicians about their perceptions of hCG tests. Seven months of TAT data were analyzed. hCG was measured in all qualitative samples. Pregnancy status was determined by chart review. Of the physicians surveyed, 183 responded. Forty-nine percent preferred qualitative over quantitative serum tests for determining pregnancy status. Physicians were willing to wait 45 minutes for results from either test. Qualitative tests are performed faster than quantitative tests, but TATs were not significantly different when sample transport time was considered. The negative predictive value of both tests was 99.9%. Qualitative serum hCG testing could be replaced by quantitative hCG tests, but there is no clear advantage to doing so.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The home pregnancy market is rapidly evolving. It has moved from detection of pregnancy on the day of missed menstrual bleeding, to detection claims 4 days prior. It is moving from all manual tests to digital tests, with a monitor reading the bands and informing women they are pregnant. A thorough study is needed to investigate the validity of claims and evolving usefulness of devices. METHODS Studies were proposed to examine the sensitivity and specificity of home tests and their abilities to detect pregnancy. Methods examined the abilities of tests to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), hyperglycosylated hCG, free β-subunit, a mixture of these antigens in 40 individual early pregnancy urines. RESULTS Using a mixture of hCG, hyperglycosylated hCG and free β-subunit typical for early pregnancy, the sensitivity of the First Response manual and digital tests was 5.5 mIU/mL, while the sensitivities of the EPT and ClearBlue brand manual and digital tests was 22 mIU/mL. On further evaluation, the First Response manual and digital tests both detected 97% of 120 pregnancies on the day of missed menstrual bleeding. The EPT manual and digital devices detected 54% and 67% of pregnancies, respectively, and the ClearBlue manual and digital devices detected 64% and 54% of pregnancies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS First Response manual and digital claim >99% detection on the day of missed menses. The results here suggest similar sensitivity for these two tests. The EPT and ClearBlue manual and digital test make similar >99% claims, the data presented here disputes their elevated claim.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence A Cole
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, USA hCG Reference Service, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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Cole LA. hCG, five independent molecules. Clin Chim Acta 2011; 413:48-65. [PMID: 22027338 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2011.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Revised: 09/11/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The hCG amino acid sequence supports 5 glycoproteins. All are called hCG forms. This review examines all 5 molecules, the hormone as produced by the placental syncytiotrophoblast cells, the sulfated hormone produced by the pituitary gonadotrope cells, the hyperglycosylated hCG autocrine made by placental cytotrophoblast cells, and the autocrine cancer promoters hyperglycosylated hCG, hCGß and hyperglycosylated hCGß as made by all malignancies. This review examines all the molecules and multiple proven functions, ranging from evolution to cancer promotion to hormone action. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION hCG forms are critical super-growth factors in humans, with an exceptional wide range of functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence A Cole
- USA hCG Reference Service Reference Service, Division of Women's Health Research, Albuquerque, NM 87104, United States.
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At home testing: optimizing management for the infertility physician. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:1867-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 10/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Agostinis C, Bulla R, Tripodo C, Gismondi A, Stabile H, Bossi F, Guarnotta C, Garlanda C, De Seta F, Spessotto P, Santoni A, Ghebrehiwet B, Girardi G, Tedesco F. An Alternative Role of C1q in Cell Migration and Tissue Remodeling: Contribution to Trophoblast Invasion and Placental Development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 185:4420-9. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0903215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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de Boer D, Houben C, Bekers O, Menheere PPCA. Gelofusine affects the quality control performance of QuickVue point-of-care human chorionic gonadotropin test devices. Clin Biochem 2010; 43:1371-2. [PMID: 20727868 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2010.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2010] [Revised: 07/30/2010] [Accepted: 08/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the influence of Gelofusine (succinylated gelatin) on the performance of point-of-care testing (POCT) for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) devices. DESIGN AND METHODS Three brands of urine and urine/serum hCG POCT devices were verified. RESULTS Succinylated gelatin affected the performance of the control band in the QuickVue hCG POCT devices. Alternative devices were not affected. The hCG test performance is not influenced. CONCLUSIONS Gelofusine affects specifically the quality control performance of the QuickVue hCG POCT devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douwe de Boer
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND hCG is a term referring to 4 independent molecules, each produced by separate cells and each having completely separate functions. These are hCG produced by villous syncytiotrophoblast cells, hyperglycosylated hCG produced by cytotrophoblast cells, free beta-subunit made by multiple primary non-trophoblastic malignancies, and pituitary hCG made by the gonadotrope cells of the anterior pituitary. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION hCG has numerous functions. hCG promotes progesterone production by corpus luteal cells; promotes angiogenesis in uterine vasculature; promoted the fusion of cytotrophoblast cell and differentiation to make syncytiotrophoblast cells; causes the blockage of any immune or macrophage action by mother on foreign invading placental cells; causes uterine growth parallel to fetal growth; suppresses any myometrial contractions during the course of pregnancy; causes growth and differentiation of the umbilical cord; signals the endometrium about forthcoming implantation; acts on receptor in mother's brain causing hyperemesis gravidarum, and seemingly promotes growth of fetal organs during pregnancy. Hyperglycosylated hCG functions to promote growth of cytotrophoblast cells and invasion by these cells, as occurs in implantation of pregnancy, and growth and invasion by choriocarcinoma cells. hCG free beta-subunit is produced by numerous non-trophoblastic malignancies of different primaries. The detection of free beta-subunit in these malignancies is generally considered a sign of poor prognosis. The free beta-subunit blocks apoptosis in cancer cells and promotes the growth and malignancy of the cancer. Pituitary hCG is a sulfated variant of hCG produced at low levels during the menstrual cycle. Pituitary hCG seems to mimic luteinizing hormone actions during the menstrual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence A Cole
- USA hCG Reference Service, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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Cervinski MA, Lockwood CM, Ferguson AM, Odem RR, Stenman UH, Alfthan H, Grenache DG, Gronowski AM. Qualitative point-of-care and over-the-counter urine hCG devices differentially detect the hCG variants of early pregnancy. Clin Chim Acta 2009; 406:81-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2009.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2009] [Revised: 05/18/2009] [Accepted: 05/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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