A rapid method for the estimation of estriol in plasma during pregnancy

A rapid, reliable fluorimetric method for the determination of estriol (E3) in plasma is described. The method is eminently suitable for use in hospital laboratories and provides results within 5 hours of the reception of samples. It has several features not found in other methods. As little as 0.2 ml of plasma is required, all additions and aliquoting procedures are semi-automated an no special technical skill is necessary. A technician can carry out 20 determinations per day. Average recoveries of 70% are routinely achieved, and the accuracy (2.4%) and the precision (4.0%) of the method are remarkably good for an assay of this type. A spectrofluorometer of high sensitivity, counting equipment and a high temperature oven are the essential major pieces of equipment.