RESULTS OF SERIAL MEASUREMENT OF ESTRADIOL IN SERUM WITH 6 DIFFERENT METHODS DURING OVARIAN STIMULATION

The aim of the study was to assess the values of serum estradiol ((E)2 ) in women undergoing ovarian stimulation with five direct commercial assays (IMX, Amerlite, Spectria, Vidas, CA) and to compare them with t he results of an E2 direct method used in our laboratory. The study in cluded 12 infertile women. Thirteen cycles were monitored daily during ovarian stimulation with transvaginal ultrasound and serum E(2). Larg e differences were found between the E(2) concentrations measured on t he same sample with the different methods. In general the IMX and Amer lite assays gave the highest and CA the lowest results. The results of our own RIA and Spectria assay agreed more closely. The median ratio of the highest E(2) value (IMX assay) and the lowest E(2) value (CA va lue) was 1.75 (1.30-3.15). Values of E(2) measured in serum depend on the method used. It is not possible to apply criteria from other studi es directly to one's own patients. Close collaboration between the lab oratories and the clinical staff is essential.