Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Oestradiol (E2) is the principal oestrogen produced by the ovary in normal women. It is secreted by the granulosa cells of maturing ovarian follicles and in small quantities by adrenals and testes in males. During pregnancy, the placenta produces several hormones, including oestradiol, to support foetal development. At the onset of puberty oestradiol is responsible for development of secondary sex characteristics in females. After puberty it maintains the normal structure and function of accessory sex organs, including regulation of the menstrual cycle. At menopause, cessation of ovulation decreases serum oestradiol.
In a normal ovulatory cycle, oestradiol is at its lowest level during the follicular phase. Mid-cycle, measured from the onset of menses, oestradiol generally peaks the day before the LH surge. During ovulation, the oestradiol level falls sharply as the LH level peaks. A secondary oestradiol peak is reached during the mid-luteal phase, 6-8 days after the LH surge. During this time, oestradiol and progesterone are secreted by the corpus luteum which stimulates endometrial growth to prepare for implantation of a fertilised egg. If the ovum is not fertilised, oestradiol and progesterone return to the baseline level before the onset of menses. If conception occurs, oestradiol level continues to rise during first, second and third trimesters.
The measurement of oestradiol often forms part of the evaluation of amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, and infertility. In male subjects, serum oestradiol is used in the investigation of gynaecomastia and other feminising syndromes.
Specimen container paediatric:
serum (SST or plain tube)
Specimen container adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL blood
Sample stability:
Unseparated sample: 1 day
Separated sample: 1 day at 15-25C, 7 days at 4-8°C, 1 year at -20°C
Transport requirements:
Ambient
Interpretation:
Low oestradiol concentrations with elevated gonadotrophins are associated with primary gonadal failure. Low oestradiol concentrations may with inappropriately low gonadotrophins may be associated with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (i.e. GnRH deficiency). Inappropriately raised oestradiol may be associated with excess ovarian oestradiol production (e.g. ovarian producing tumours) or may be observed during HRT or when receiving assisted reproductive therapy.
Reference ranges:
Male:
95 – 223 pmol/L
Female
Follicular: 0 – 854 pmol/L
Luteal: 82 – 1251 pmol/L
Ovulation: 151 – 1461 pmol/L
Postmenopausal: 0 – 180 pmol/L
Factors affecting result:
Due to the risk of cross reactivity, this assay should not be used when monitoring oestradiol levels in patients being treated with Fulvestrant.