Impact of beta-subunit human chorionic gonadotropin and ultrasonography in the management of suspected ectopic pregnancy.

The records of 346 women admitted to the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center with a diagnosis of suspected ectopic pregnancy between 1980 and 1982, when beta-subunit human chorionic gonadotropin and ultrasonography became generally available, were reviewed. The impact of these diagnostic tests on the gynecologic care this population received was to reduce the number of emergency room visits. That often meant a delay in diagnosis. There was no change in hospital stay or characteristics of the patient population. These data suggest that in this type of hospital, culdocentesis should not be abandoned in favor of this new technology.