Further Observations on the Value of the Pregnandiol Test for Pregnancy1

Abstract

OBSERVATIONS on the excretion of pregnandiol in the urine of women, relative to corpus luteum activity and progesterone secretion, have led to the conclusion that the presence of pregnandiol in the urine during amenorrhea signifies a normal pregnancy (3, 10, 17). On this basis we presented in 1944 a simple, rapid method for the determination of pregnandiol in urine (color reaction) as a diagnostic test for pregnancy (9). The present report summarizes data on 248 patients, of which 155 were tested since the previous report. The results indicate that the pregnandiol color reaction is at least as accurate a diagnostic test for pregnancy as is the Friedman test. Added experience has led to technical refinements which improve the reliability of the procedure. FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE TECHNIQUE OF THE TEST The technique for the pregnandiol determination has been detailed elsewhere (9). The entire procedure requires two and one half to three hours to complete. From four to six specimens can be conveniently tested simultaneously. The chemicals are inexpensive, and the equipment employed is standard in clinical laboratories. No animals are needed. The rapidity and economy of the determination are self-evident.