Fetal Fibronectin (Inactive as of 10/21/24)
Use
Fetal Fibronectin (fFN) is used in pregnant patients to assess the risk of preterm delivery by detecting the presence of fibronectin in cervicovaginal secretions, helping guide clinical decisions on management of potential premature labor.
Special Instructions
This test is inactive as of October 21, 2024.
Limitations
Sexual intercourse within 24 hours, digital cervical exams, vaginal ultrasounds, lubricants, soaps, disinfectants, or visible moderate or gross vaginal bleeding can lead to false-positive or invalid results. Specimens from symptomatic patients less than 24 weeks or ≥35 weeks gestation—or asymptomatic patients less than 22 weeks or ≥35 weeks—are unacceptable.
Methodology
Immunoassay (Other)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
Not provided.
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Fetal Fibronectin Specimen Collection Kit (ARUP supply #32748)
Collection Instructions
Insert polyester‑tipped swab into the vagina and lightly rotate across the posterior fornix approximately 10 seconds; place swab into buffer tube provided in kit. Use only one specimen collection device per patient.
Patient Preparation
Collect prior to any activities or procedures that might disrupt the cervix, e.g., coitus, digital exam, ultrasound, culture collection, or Pap smear. Testing should not be performed if intercourse occurred within 24 hours.
Storage Instructions
Store refrigerated if not tested within 8 hours; test within 72 hours. If frozen, test within 2 weeks; only one freeze/thaw cycle acceptable.
Causes for Rejection
Use of any device other than kit; moderate/gross vaginal bleeding; specimens from symptomatic patients <24 or ≥35 weeks gestation or asymptomatic patients <22 or ≥35 weeks gestation.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 8 hours |
| Refrigerated | 3 days |
| Frozen | 2 weeks |