Volume 8
Number 2, July 2026Comparison of the performance of serum hCG (ELISA method) and Urinary pregnancy test (ICT method) in the early detection of pregnancy
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47648/zhswmcj.2026.v0802.01
Khan NZ1 , Ahmed SM2 , Sultana GS3 , Akter K4
Abstract
Background: Early identification of pregnancy enables timely antenatal care. Both serum β-hCG (ELISA) and urinary pregnancy tests (ICT) are commonly used, but their performance in early pregnancy varies. Objective: To compare the diagnostic performance of serum β-hCG (ELISA) and urinary pregnancy test (ICT) in the early detection of pregnancy, using ultrasonography (USG) as the reference standard. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months among women aged 18–40 years who presented with suspicion of early pregnancy. A total of 100 participants were recruited through convenience sampling. Each participant underwent serum β-hCG (ELISA), an ICT test for urinary β-hCG, and USG for confirmation. The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of both tests were compared against USG findings. Results: Of 100 participants, 57 pregnancies and 43 non-pregnancies were confirmed by USG. Serum β-hCG was more sensitive (96.5% vs. 82.5%) and accurate (98% vs. 90%) than the urinary pregnancy test; both had 100% specificity. Quantitative β-hCG had limited discriminatory power (AUC = 0.601). Conclusion: Serum β-hCG performs better than urine ICT in early pregnancy detection. However, variability in hormone levels limits its diagnostic value alone. USG is the definitive standard. Combining β-hCG with USG improves the reliability of confirmation.
Keywords: Serum -hCG, ELISA, Urinary pregnancy test, Immunochromatographic technique, Early pregnancy detection, Diagnostic accuracy.
- Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry
- Consultant, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
- Professor and Head, Department of Laboratory Medicine
- Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry