Optimizing hCG cut-off values: A single determination on day 14 or 15 is sufficient for a reliable prediction of pregnancy outcome

• Published in: European journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology 2006-07, Vol.127 (1), p.94-98
• Main Authors: Lambers, Marieke J., van Weering, Hans G.I., van’t Grunewold, Maud S., Lambalk, Cornelis B., Homburg, Roy, Schats, Roel, Hompes, Peter G.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Chorionic Gonadotropin - blood; Cut-off levels; Female; Fertilization in Vitro - methods; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; hCG; Humans; Infertility, Female - blood; Infertility, Female - therapy; Medical sciences; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Pregnancy - blood; Pregnancy Outcome; Retrospective; Retrospective Studies; ROC Curve; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic - methods; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0301-2115; 1872-7654
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2005.12.023

Optimizing the cut-off level for a single serum hCG determination around day 15 after oocyte retrieval or ovulation. Retrospective data analysis. 204 hCG samples >5 IU/L between March and October 1999 taken on day 14, 15 or 16 after oocyte retrieval in 204 patients undergoing IVF or ICSI were analyzed. ROC-curves and optimal cut-off levels to discriminate between viable and non-viable pregnancies were calculated for each day separately. Cut-off levels were found at 76, 142 and 223 IU/L for day 14, 15 and 16, respectively, and were verified by 487 hCG samples >5 IU/L taken between January 2000 and June 2004. A single serum hCG determination on day 14 or 15 is sufficient to discriminate viable pregnancies accurately from non-viable pregnancies.