Clinical use of plasma total estriol measurements in late pregnancy

A critical review of the clinical use of measurements of plasma total estriol concentration in late pregnancy was done on the basis of one year's experience with the test at one institution which provides tertiary-level care to high-risk obstetric patients. The overall efficiency of the test in discriminating patients at risk was 59%. It appears to be most useful when a negative result provides some reassurance that the status of the fetus is satisfactory.