Determination of Serum Estradiol Levels by Radiometric and Chemiluminescent Techniques

The ability to precisely measure circulating levels of hormones is a foundation of modern endocrinology. For assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), accurate determination of circulating levels of estradiol are crucial for patient management, retrieval of fertilizable oocytes, and successful pregnancy outcome. For many years, circulating levels of estradiol were determined by radioimmunoassay. More recently, nonradioactive techniques such as ELISAs or chemiluminescent approaches have replaced traditional radioimmunoassays. In the current chapter, we outline the procedures for analysis of circulating levels of estradiol by both radioimmunoassay and chemiluminescent techniques.