Estradiol
CPT Code(s):
82670
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate or Fluoride plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
2 days
Frozen:
6 months
Clinical Significance
Estradiol holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing the levels of estradiol, a primary female sex hormone, in a patient's blood. Estradiol plays a crucial role in reproductive health, menstrual cycle regulation, and the development and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics in females.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Estradiol include:
1. Evaluation of Reproductive Health: Estradiol helps assess the function of the ovaries and reproductive system in females. It is used to monitor the menstrual cycle, evaluate fertility, and diagnose conditions related to reproductive health, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause, or ovarian disorders.
2. Hormone Replacement Therapy Monitoring: Estradiol levels are monitored in patients receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT), commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of menopause or hormonal imbalances. The test ensures that the prescribed hormone dosage is effectively restoring and maintaining hormone levels within the therapeutic range.
3. Evaluation of Menstrual Irregularities: Estradiol aids in diagnosing and evaluating menstrual irregularities, including amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), irregular periods, or abnormal bleeding patterns. Abnormal estradiol levels can provide insights into the underlying hormonal imbalances or conditions contributing to these menstrual disturbances.
4. Assessment of Pubertal Development: In children and adolescents, Estradiol helps assess pubertal development. Abnormal estradiol levels can indicate precocious puberty (early onset of sexual development) or delayed puberty, guiding appropriate management and treatment decisions.
5. Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): Estradiol is frequently used during fertility treatments and assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). It helps monitor ovarian response to medications, assess follicular development, and guide timing of procedures to optimize chances of successful conception.
6. Evaluation of Endocrine Disorders: Abnormal estradiol levels may be observed in certain endocrine disorders, such as adrenal or ovarian tumors. Estradiol aids in diagnosing and monitoring these conditions, providing valuable information for treatment planning and disease management.
It is important to note that Estradiol is typically interpreted in conjunction with other hormonals, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), to gain a comprehensive understanding of hormonal balance and reproductive function.
In summary, Estradiol has specific clinical significance in assessing reproductive health, monitoring hormone replacement therapy, evaluating menstrual irregularities, assessing pubertal development, supporting assisted reproductive technologies, and aiding in the diagnosis and management of endocrine disorders. By measuring estradiol levels in the blood, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, fertility treatments, and optimizing patient care related to hormonal balance and reproductive health.