Fetal fibronectin: a method for detecting the presence of amniotic fluid.

Abstract

Fetal fibronectin is a sensitive test for detection of AF in the vagina and compares favorably to standard tests. Its low specificity suggests that the assay may detect an alteration in membrane integrity. In addition, in patients without rupture of the membranes, the interval between sampling and delivery is significantly shorter if fetal fibronectin is present. We speculate that the presence of fetal fibronectin in cervicovaginal secretions may be a marker for impending labor in gravidas without gross rupture of the membranes.