Low cost pregnancy test and HCG stability.

ABSTRACT

A modified technique for pregnancy slide test (Roche) using hypodermic needles No.23 as droppers for urine and needles No.25 as droppers for antiserum and for human chorionic gonadotropin (HCH)-latex suspension was reported. One hundred positive-and 26 negative-urine specimens by regular Roche pregnancy slide test were used as study samples. The results showed that the modified technique was compatible with the standard method regarding sensitivity and reliability. The modified technique, is however, 6.76 times less expensive than the standard method. The authors recommend this new technique to be used in hospital laboratories and clinics as routine laboratory test. In this study if was also found that the urine specimens that kept at room temperature for up to one year the HCG hormone remained active though the number of positively was reduced if kept 1ฝ year and 2 years to 98.41 and 93.65 percent respectively. Urine specimens that preserved in refrigerator freezer remained positive for HCG hormone for up to 2 years.