Fetal Fibronectin
Also known as: GHO2
Use
Fetal fibronectin is a protein produced by the placenta that acts as a “glue” attaching the placenta to the uterine wall, and later serves as a lubricant during labor. Detection of fetal fibronectin in cervicovaginal fluid can help predict risk of preterm delivery, commonly defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
The test result should not be interpreted as absolute evidence for presence or absence of delivery within 7 days for symptomatic women or ≤34 weeks, 6 days of gestation for asymptomatic women. A positive result may also occur due to cervical disruption from events such as sexual intercourse, digital cervical examination, or vaginal ultrasound probe. Sensitivity ~86.4%, specificity ~82.3%, PPV ~12.7%, NPV ~99.5% in symptomatic women.
Methodology
Immunoassay (Other)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Vaginal Swab
Volume
one swab
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Rapid FFN swab (Adeza) in transport tube containing 1 mL extraction buffer
Collection Instructions
Collect using Adeza Biomedical Corp kit / Cytyc Specimen Collection Kit for Full Term
Causes for Rejection
Incorrect swab type; samples received >8 hours at room temperature; samples in expired transport; freeze‑thaw cycles, contact with glass
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 8 hours |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | 90 days |