Estriol - urine

Alternative names:

urine estriol

How the test is performed:

A 24-hour urine sample is needed.
The health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test.

• On day 1, urinate into the toilet upon arising in the morning.
• Collect all subsequent urine (in a special container) for the next 24-hours.
• On day 2, urinate into the container in the morning upon arising.
• Cap the container. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period. Label the container with your name, the date, the time of completion, and return it as instructed.

Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.

How to prepare for the test:

Consult the health care provider about factors that can interfere with the test, including an urinary tract infection.

Drugs that can increase test measurements include to adrenocorticosteroids (corticosteroids), estrogen-containing drugs, phenothiazines, and tetracyclines

Drugs that can decrease test measurements include clomiphene, ampicillin, and thyroxine.

How the test will feel:

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed:

The most common use of estriol measurements is in the evaluation of fetal status during pregnancy. Serial urine and/or blood studies for estriol excretion provide an objective means of assessing placental function and fetal normality in high-risk pregnancies.

Estriol is a specific type of estrogen hormone. Most often, total estrogen (estriol, estradiol, and estrone) is measured. However, sometimes the individual components may be measured.