Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis

In addition to a thorough physical exam and asking questions about your medical history, your doctor may decide to order certain tests in order to make an ectopic pregnancy diagnosis. Common tests include blood tests, ultrasound, and laparoscopy. The doctor will also attempt to rule out other conditions, such as threatened abortion or kidney infection, before making a firm ectopic pregnancy diagnosis.

Ectopic Pregnancies

Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis: An Overview

In order to make an ectopic pregnancy diagnosis, the doctor will generally begin by asking a number of questions about:

Current symptoms
History of any medical conditions, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Contraceptive use
Current medications.

He or she will also perform a physical exam, looking for ectopic pregnancy symptoms. If the doctor suspects an ectopic pregnancy, he or she may recommend certain tests.

Tests Used to Make an Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis

Tests that may be recommended in order to help make an ectopic pregnancy diagnosis include:

Blood tests
Ultrasound
Culdocentesis
Laparoscopy.

Blood Tests

The doctor may order several blood tests. Among others, it may include a test looking at hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels in the blood. HCG levels that are low, that are not increasing at a normal rate, that have plateaued, or that are decreasing can indicate a possible ectopic pregnancy. Low progesterone levels may also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

Ultrasound

A transvaginal ultrasound, along with a pregnancy blood test, often can confirm or rule out an ectopic pregnancy diagnosis. Transvaginal ultrasound allows the doctor to see an extremely small gestational sac.

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