Evaluation of 3-minute semiquantitative test kit for urinary estrogens of pregnant women.

A 3-minute rapid slide assay of total urinary estrogens is available for testing in pregnant women. This is a semiquantitative, immunologic competitive latex agglutination inhibition slide test, which is reported in levels (level 1: less than 5 mg/liter, level 2: greater than or equal to 5 mg/liter, level 3: greater than or equal to 10 mg/liter, level 4: greater than or equal to 20 mg/liter). With the use of this kit, the results of 100 samples of pregnancy urine were compared with the results from a chemical colorimetric assay procedure. There was 94% agreement between these 2 methods. There was no 2-step difference in grading. The probable future usefulness of this kit is described because of its rapidity and simplicity in testing. Its limitations are also discussed.