title: Abnormally low hCG in a complete hydatidiform molar pregnancy: The hook effect.
abstract: ► The hook effect occurs with extremely high levels of hCG, saturating detection antibodies, leading to falsely low laboratory results. ► In the literature, descriptions of the hook effect are rare in cases of gestational trophoblastic diseases. ► If unrecognized, this can lead to delayed therapy or mismanagement of care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA.
authors.forename: James L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Nodler
authors.affiliation: Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA.
authors.forename: Kenneth H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA.
authors.forename: Ronald D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Alvarez
keywords: Falsely low hCG; Hook effect; Molar pregnancy