[Comparison between the radioimmunologic measurement of plasma E2 and estrogen determination in urine using a...

To prove the diagnostic value of a new haemagglutination inhibition test (HI-Estrotec), urinary and plasma oestrogens were simultaneously measured in 42 stimulated cycles of 40 women of the Erlangen IVF programme. Comparing the results of all paired samples, there was a correlation coefficient r = 0.6968. Correlating the total oestrogens in the early morning urine with the plasma-E2, the coefficient was r = 0.641. In 26 cases of the 42 stimulated cycles egg retrieval could be performed. Averaging the daily values of these women the graphs of E2 and urinary oestrogens show nearly parallel curves with maximal values on the same day, i.e. the first day after HCG application. Comparing the two curves of the individual patient, in 14 of 26 cases there are differences of more than 24 hours between the maximal values of urinary and plasma oestrogens. The advantages of the HI-Estrotec-Assay are: Simple handling without special demands on the laboratory equipment. The results can be obtained after two hours already. The possibility to measure several times a day without great effort. The disadvantage is: The delayed appearance of the hormones in the urine. To induce ovulation with HCG, however, actual parameters are indispensable. If the ovulation is triggered by the endogenous LH surge the diagnostic value of the new assay is sufficient when it is combined with an LH monitoring.