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Test Code FFN Fetal Fibronectin (fFN)

Additional Codes

  • Expanse Test Name: Fetal Fibronectin
  • Medinet Ref Code: FFN
  • OV Code:BF*FFN

Performing Laboratory

St. Lukes Hospital Laboratory

Specimen Requirements

Call St. Luke’s Hospital Laboratory Client Service Department at 218-249-5200 to obtain a Fetal Fibronectin Specimen Collection Kit.

 

1. Obtain specimen from posterior fornix of vagina.

2. Insert Dacron® swab into vagina and lightly rotate across posterior fornix for approximately 10 seconds to absorb cervicovaginal secretions.

3. Withdraw swab carefully. Avoid contact with vaginal mucosa.

4. Insert swab into tube of buffer provided.

5. Break shaft (at score-line) even with top of tube. Align shaft with hole inside tube cap and push down tightly over shaft, sealing tube.

6. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, source of specimen, gestational age, and if patient is symptomatic or asymptomatic.

7. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note:  1. Specimen can be refrigerated at 2° C to 8° C for up to 3 days.

2. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Reference Values

The rapid fFN result should not be interpreted as absolute evidence for the presence or absence of a process that will result in delivery in ≤7 to 14 days from specimen collection in symptomatic women, or delivery in ≤34 weeks, 6 days in asymptomatic women evaluated between 22 weeks, for 0 days; and 30 weeks, 6 days of gestation.

A positive fFN result may be observed for patients who have experienced cervical disruption caused by, but not limited to, events such as sexual intercourse, digital cervical examination, or vaginal probe ultrasound. The rapid fFN result should always be used in conjunction with information available from the clinical evaluation of the patient and other diagnostic procedures such as cervical examination, cervical microbiological culture, assessment of uterine activity, and evaluation of other risk factors.

Interfering Substances:

Manipulation of the cervix may lead to false-positive results. Specimens should be obtained prior to digital examination or manipulation of the cervix. Care must be taken not to contaminate the swab or cervico-vaginal secretions with lubricants, soaps, or disinfectants (eg, K-Y® Brand Jelly, Betadine® disinfectant, MONISTAT® cream). These substances may interfere with absorption of the specimen by the swab or with the antibody-antigen reaction of the rapid fFN assay. Patients with suspected or known placental abruption, placenta previa, or moderate or gross vaginal bleeding should not be tested for fFN.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82731

Additional Information

Specimen Stability:

Specimen can be refrigerated at 2° C to 8° C for up to 3 days.