I had the same question.
Bearing in mind that the fetus is constantly peeing, I had trouble finding a
chemical parameter that would distinquish the two. The long answer is PG or
L:S if the gestational age is surely at term otherwise there is a test that
OBs perform "Ferning" which is application of the liquid to a glass slide
and looking at it ?under a microscope for a distinct arborization pattern.
(I dont know any more about ferning).
David Alter, MD
Clinical/Chemical Pathologist
Spectrum Health
Grand Rapids MI
-----Original Message-----
From: Dr S Walker [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 12:25 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Discriminating amniotic fluid from urine in real time for ?PROM
An obstetrician has just enquired if there is a quick reliable biochemical
(or other) test that could be used in possible PROM (premature rupture of
membrane) cases. They had a lady who came in with a container of fluid, she
thought she had PROM at 23/40 but there was no obvious liquid in the
vagina. They thought it probably was PROM and tried an induction which
failed and she later delivered normally at 38/40. We don't do AFP on site
so I'm looking for something routinely available - quick/easy/RELIABLE to
distinguish amniotic fluid from urine. TP? creat? (fetal urine contributes
how much to amniotic fluid, depending on gestation?) HELP please. Looked on
internet but nothing sprang out at me. Any suggestions gratefully received.
THanks, Sue Walker, Salisbury UK.
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