Question:
The best test / gold standard test for assessing hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is?
The best test / gold standard test for assessing hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is?
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Think of the most sensitive radiolabelled quantitative beta-hCG assay.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Radioimmunoassay
- ELISA
- Latex agglutination test
- Bioassay
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Identify what is being asked, the most sensitive and specific quantitative assay for hCG.
Step 2: Compare the options. The latex agglutination (slide) test is a qualitative urine test with low sensitivity (detects hCG only around 1500 to 2500 mIU/mL), so it is the least sensitive. Bioassays are historical, slow and imprecise. ELISA is sensitive and widely used clinically, but it is not classically labelled the gold standard for hCG quantification.
Step 3: Recall that radioimmunoassay (RIA), which uses a radiolabelled hCG competing for antibody, is highly sensitive and specific and can detect very low levels of the beta subunit. It is traditionally regarded as the gold standard quantitative method for hCG.
Step 4: Hence the answer is radioimmunoassay.
Answer: Option A, Radioimmunoassay.
Step 2: Compare the options. The latex agglutination (slide) test is a qualitative urine test with low sensitivity (detects hCG only around 1500 to 2500 mIU/mL), so it is the least sensitive. Bioassays are historical, slow and imprecise. ELISA is sensitive and widely used clinically, but it is not classically labelled the gold standard for hCG quantification.
Step 3: Recall that radioimmunoassay (RIA), which uses a radiolabelled hCG competing for antibody, is highly sensitive and specific and can detect very low levels of the beta subunit. It is traditionally regarded as the gold standard quantitative method for hCG.
Step 4: Hence the answer is radioimmunoassay.
Answer: Option A, Radioimmunoassay.
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