Estriol, Serum LabCorp

Estriol (E3) is one of three estrogens, the other two being estrone and estradiol. This test is used in the evaluation of fetal distress and placental function in the management of patients facing complications such as pre-eclampsia, fetal growth retardation, diabetes, Rh immunization, choriocarcinoma, and hydatiidiform mole. This may be elevated in hydrops fetalis in the presence of a dying fetus and this may be lower in the presence of a living anencephalic fetus. Estriol (E3), is synthesized in the placenta. A decreasing trend is indicative of fetal distress. Living in high altitudes, anemia, sever liver disease, and a variety of drugs may cause decreased estriol levels.