There are several scenarios within abortion care in which the measurement of serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels is useful or necessary. These include the management of pregnancy of unknown location, diagnosis of miscarriage or gestational trophoblastic disease, and confirmation that a medical abortion is complete as part of the protocol for very early medical abortion (VEMA).
In NHS Lothian (Edinburgh and surrounding region), the abortion service based in Chalmers Sexual Health Centre provides abortion for approximately 3500 patients per year and operates a telemedicine-based service.
As is the case for many community services across the UK, there is no laboratory on site, which means that any serum β-hCG samples require transportation to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh…