Bit of a technical question, im from a science background so i got curious about how the test actually detects hCG. Couldnt find a clear answer anywhere. If anyone knows the actual method pls explain.
It's the sandwich ELISA, because hCG is a big molecule with two binding sites. That's the technical answer. For practical use, home kits work on the same antibody principle, just simpler. Lab beta-hCG is the precise one.
Pregnancy tests use a sandwich ELISA type, it traps the hCG hormone between two antibodies. The home strips are basically a quick version of this principle. My lab explained it when I asked about my beta-hCG report.
From what I've seen in the lab, hCG tests are the sandwich type ELISA. Two antibodies grab the hormone on both ends, that's how they detect even small amounts. The blood test is more sensitive than the urine strip.
Technically it's a sandwich ELISA design. If this is for studies, that's your answer. If you're actually checking for pregnancy, just do a blood beta-hCG at the lab, it's accurate and the doctor reads it for you.
