Alpha Medical Lab

Estradiol

Ordered Test Code:

EE22

Lab Test Component	Requirement
Test Name	Estradiol
Alpha’s Order Test Code	EE22
Specimen Collection Tube	SST/1mL
Collection Tube Handling
Minimum Volume	0.5mL
Transport Temperture	Refrigerated
Stability	“Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: 6 months *Do not add estradiol testing to a barrier gel specimen older than 72 hours”
Collection Instructions	“1mL serum/Note: For any patients for whom low estradiol levels are anticipated (e.g. males, pre-pubertal children and hypogonadal/post-menopausal females), the Quest Diagnostics Estradiol, Ultrasensitive, LC/MS/MS assay is recommended (test code 30289). Note: Do not add on estradiol testing to a barrier gel specimen older than 72 hours. Estradiol binds to barrier gel causing decreased values.”

Clinical Significance

Measuring the circulating levels of estradiol is important for assessing the ovarian function and monitoring follicular development for assisted reproduction protocols. Estradiol plays an essential role throughout the human menstrual cycle. Elevated estradiol levels in females may also result from primary or secondary ovarian hyperfunction. Very high estradiol levels are found during the induction of ovulation for assisted reproduction therapy or in pregnancy. Decreased estradiol levels in females may result from either lack of ovarian synthesis (primary ovarian hypofunction and menopause) or a lesion in the hypothalamus-pituitary axis (secondary ovarian hypofunction). Elevated estradiol levels in males may be due to increased aromatization of androgens, resulting in gynecomastia.