Ectopic Pregnancy Biomarkers

In an attempt to simplify the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, the researchers will
investigate the presence of specific molecular markers of ectopic pregnancy. The
quantification of these (and other proteins) will be performed using the Ciphergen Protein
Chip system where serum is sampled with a high-throughput system. The patterns of these
peaks will be compared for those with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy and normal pregnancy.
Later goals of the research will be to identify the actual proteins that correspond to the
peaks which discriminate between the two clinical entitles. The goal is to identify a unique
protein pattern or protein peak to distinguish a normal intrauterine pregnancy from that of
an ectopic implanted gestation.