The unconjugated estriol (E3) blood test is a prenatal screening test used to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities, primarily Down syndrome, in a developing fetus.
The unconjugated estriol (E3) blood test measures the levels of a hormone called estriol in the mother's blood. Estriol is produced by the placenta and the fetus during pregnancy.
The test is typically performed between weeks 15 and 22 of pregnancy, as part of a combined screening test known as the second-trimester maternal serum screening.
The E3 blood test is often done in combination with other blood tests, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and inhibin-A. The results from these tests, along with maternal age, can help assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities, particularly Down syndrome.
In the second-trimester screening, the E3 blood test measures the level of unconjugated estriol. Abnormally low levels of unconjugated estriol have been associated with an increased risk of Down syndrome.
The E3 test results, along with the results of other blood tests and maternal age, are entered into a calculation that estimates the likelihood of the fetus having Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities.
If the combined screening indicates a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities, further diagnostic tests, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, may be recommended to provide a definitive diagnosis.
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