Estriol, Maternal Serum (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of estriol, a hormone produced during pregnancy, in your blood. It helps monitor fetal development and health.
["Estriol testing supports prenatal care by assessing fetal well-being and detecting potential complications early."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44004-0
- Short code
- u Estriol MoM Amn
- Synonyms
- u Estriol MoM Amn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- fluid
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 300
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate fetal lung maturity, monitor high-risk pregnancies, or investigate unexplained pregnancy complications. Estriol levels can indicate how well the fetus is developing and if there are signs of stress or issues with the placenta.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may have a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. If you’re pregnant, inform your provider about any medications or supplements you’re taking, as they can sometimes affect test results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, insert a small needle into your vein, and collect a blood sample. The process typically takes a few minutes. You may feel a brief pinch, but most people find it not very uncomfortable.
What Are the Possible Results?
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider in the context of your pregnancy and medical history. Low estriol levels may suggest fetal distress, placental insufficiency, or other pregnancy-related concerns. High levels might be seen in certain genetic conditions or late-stage pregnancies.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Estriol is a hormone produced by the fetus and placenta, and its levels can reflect fetal health and development. Low maternal estriol is often associated with conditions like intrauterine growth restriction, fetal distress, or chromosomal abnormalities. It is commonly used in high-risk pregnancies to guide interventions, such as monitoring fetal lung maturity before birth or assessing placental function.
Short name
Estriol level in maternal blood
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
What does a low estriol level mean?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy