E3, Unconjugated Estriol

The E3 test measures the amount of unconjugated estriol in the blood.

• The E3 test is done to screen for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, such as Down syndrome and trisomy 18 syndrome. These conditions are associated with low levels of unconjugated estriol in the maternal serum.

• The E3 test is also done to monitor fetal well-being and maturity in high-risk or poorly dated pregnancies. Low levels of unconjugated estriol may indicate fetal distress, intrauterine growth restriction, or placental insufficiency.

• The E3 test is recommended for pregnant women who are undergoing prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities. The test is usually done between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation, along with other tests such as AFP, hCG, and inhibin A.
• The E3 test may also be recommended for pregnant women who have a high risk of fetal or placental complications, such as advanced maternal age, previous history of chromosomal abnormalities, abnormal ultrasound findings, or maternal diseases.

An abnormal result in the E3 test may indicate an increased or decreased risk of chromosomal abnormalities or fetal or placental complications. However, the E3 test alone cannot diagnose these conditions and should be interpreted in conjunction with other tests and clinical findings. An abnormal result may require further testing such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling to confirm the diagnosis.

The E3 test involves a simple blood draw from a vein in the arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure is quick and painless and does not pose any significant risks to the mother or the fetus.

Mention date of birth and last menstrual period (LMP). Patients should inform their healthcare provider about any medications or supplements they are taking, as some of them may interfere with the test results. Patients should also follow their healthcare provider’s instructions regarding fasting or diet before the test.

The E3 test is usually ordered with other tests as part of the prenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities. These tests include:

• AFP test: To measure the level of alpha-fetoprotein, a protein produced by the fetus and the liver.

• hCG test: To measure the level of human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced by the placenta.

• Inhibin A test: To measure the level of inhibin A, a hormone produced by the placenta and the ovaries.

• Unconjugated Estriol Test

• Estriol Test

• uE3 Test

Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic condition characterized by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. Typically, individuals have 23 pairs of chromosomes, but those with Down syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21, resulting in a total of 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. The extra genetic material can cause various developmental issues and physical characteristics associated with Down syndrome. Common physical features include a flat facial profile, almond-shaped eyes, a small head, and a short neck. Individuals with Down syndrome may also have low muscle tone, leading to delays in motor skill development.

Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome, is a genetic disorder characterized by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 18. In a typical human cell, there are 23 pairs of chromosomes, but individuals with trisomy 18 have three copies of chromosome 18, resulting in a total of 47 chromosomes. Trisomy 18 leads to severe developmental and medical problems, and unfortunately, many affected individuals do not survive beyond infancy. The extra genetic material from chromosome 18 disrupts normal development, causing various birth defects and abnormalities. Common features of trisomy 18 include low birth weight, heart defects, a small jaw and mouth, clenched fists with overlapping fingers, and rocker-bottom feet (a rounded sole of the foot).