User:Dzobgyn

Phantom HCG

Persistence of mildly elevated levels of HCG may be noted, at times, when monitoring for gestational trophoblastic disease. These levels may be erroneously positive because of the presence of heterophilic antibodies. These antibodies test positive on the serum assays for HCG where in reality the HCG level is negative. Patients that have been recently exposed to mononucleosis may get positive heterophilic antibodies. Patients with IgA deficiency syndrome often get similar antibodies as well. In the management of gestational trophoblastic disease, it is important to follow the levels, and persistently elevated levels may require active management. The kind of serum assay used to test the HCG may need to be changed to ensure that the test is actually detecting HCG and not antibodies.