POCT in VEMA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Point of care testing for HCG to improve access to very early medical abortion (VEMA) and to simplify the follow up regimen
IRAS ID
363375
Contact name
Sharon Cameron
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
When a person is less than six weeks pregnant, it may not be possible to see that pregnancy on an ultrasound scan. Therefore, although it is suspected that they are pregnant (through pregnancy hormone levels) it can't be 100% confirmed that the pregnancy is in the correct place within the womb. However, standard protocols are in place for having an abortion at this stage of pregnancy- often referred to as a "very early medical abortion" (VEMA).
The standard protocol for these patients is that a pregnancy hormone level (known as HCG) is measured by a blood test on the first day of their procedure (Day 0) and then again at Day 7. This is to ensure that the pregnancy hormone as dropped as expected (around a 50% drop from the Day 0 level would be expected at Day 7).
However, the need for these blood tests means patients can only have VEMA in large clinics with access to hospital labs. However, recently within our clinic we have had approvals for a Point of Care Test (POCT) machine to be used routinely for this instead of a lab test.
In addition, the fixed regimen of follow up seven days after treatment, may limit acceptability of this regimen to patients and may also limit the capacity of services to provide this care.
Therefore, our study aims to evaluate the use of a Point of Care Test (POCT) within this pathway, and to evaluate if success can be determined at an earlier stage than 7 days post procedure.
We will do this by taking an additional blood sample between Day 2- Day 4 (explained in further detail elsewhere in application). We will also seek providers and participants opinions on the POCT and if funding allows, perform a cost-effectiveness analysis.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
25/WS/0165
Date of REC Opinion
9 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion