Equine Pregnancy Panel
The Equine Pregnancy Panel combines the measurement of progesterone through chemiluminescence (ChL), estrone sulfate and Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) using radioimmunoassay (RIA) to provide a comprehensive assessment of pregnancy status in mares. These hormonal markers are essential indicators of reproductive health and pregnancy progression. Progesterone is a hormone produced by the corpus luteum and is critical for maintaining early pregnancy. Its levels can be measured using chemiluminescence, a rapid and highly sensitive diagnostic method. Estrone sulfate, produced by the fetoplacental unit, becomes detectable around day 60 of gestation and serves as a reliable indicator of a viable pregnancy in the mid to late stages. eCG, a hormone produced by the endometrial cups of the equine placenta, is typically measurable between 35 and 120 days of gestation. The test is particularly useful for confirming early pregnancy in mares, especially when other diagnostic methods such as ultrasonography are unavailable or inconclusive. By measuring progesterone, estrone sulfate and Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG), this panel offers veterinarians an accurate and minimally invasive method to confirm pregnancy, assess its viability, and monitor the health of the mare and developing fetus.
Test name
Equine Pregnancy Panel
Test Code
E128
Section
Endocrinology
Species
Equine
Specimen
2 ml Serum
Collection Guidelines
- Collect an adequate amount of blood in a plain red-top tube or serum separator tube (yellow-top tube). Allow it to clot at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before separation.
- Centrifuge to separate the serum. Transfer the clear serum into a new, leak-proof plain red-top tube and label it as “serum.”
- Excessively hemolyzed samples are not suitable for this test.
- Unspun samples will not be accepted.
- Refrigerate sample at 4oC until shipment.
Turnaround time
14-21 days
Packing Instructions
Label each sample with the animal’s name and a unique identifier, using a permanent marker or a secure adhesive label. Ensure the submittal form is completed with the animal’s information and relevant medical history.
References
- McCue, P.M., et al. “Hormonal Monitoring in Equine Pregnancy: The Role of Progesterone and Estrone Sulfate.” Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2021.
- Ball, B.A., et al. “Advances in Chemiluminescence and RIA for Equine Reproductive Hormone Diagnostics.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 2022.
- Fowden, A.L., et al. “Evaluating Hormonal Profiles for Diagnosing and Monitoring Pregnancy in Mares.” Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2023.
- Allen, W.R., et al. “Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin: Biological Functions and Diagnostic Applications in Mares.” Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2021.
- McCue, P.M., et al. “RIA for Measuring eCG in Early Pregnancy Diagnosis: A Veterinary Perspective.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 2022.
