A sensitive bedside urine test for human chorionic gonadotrophin in suspected ectopic pregnancy.

An ultrasensitive modification of the Tandem Icon urine test for human chorionic gonadotrophin was used by clinicians, without special training, in the evaluation of 51 women with suspected ectopic pregnancy. There were 2 false-positive results. No negative results occurred in the presence of ectopic or ongoing pregnancy. A negative result (the majority of cases) is useful for excluding the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. The need for observation in hospital and diagnostic surgery can be greatly reduced by the use of this test in the ward or outpatient department.