Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ's)
1. What is Fibronectin?
2. What does Fibronectin do?
3. When is Fibronectin produced?
4. How is Fibronectin detected?
5. How long does it take to get the results of the test?
6. How is the Fibronectin test used?
7. What do the test results mean?
8. What does a positive test mean?
9. What does a negative test mean?
10. Who should be tested?
11. When should Fibronectin testing be performed?
12. Can the test be repeated?
13. What are the signs and symptoms of early labor?
14. Can the Fibronectin test be performed after membrane rupture?
15. Can the Fibronectin test be performed if there is bleeding?
16. Does the test work for twins/multiple pregnancies?
Fibronectin is a glycoprotein found naturally in the human body.
Fibronectin is produced during pregnancy and can be thought of as glue that binds the membranes of the pregnancy sac to the lining of the uterus.
3. When is Fibronectin produced?
Fibronectin is found in the birth canal in early pregnancy and after 35 weeks when the mother’s body is preparing for labour.
4. How is Fibronectin detected?
It involves taking a swab similar to having a smear test. The examination takes a few minutes and does not involve risk to mother nor baby.
5. How long does it take to get results of the test?
A result is available around 20 minutes after the swab is made.
6. How is the Fibronectin test used?
In hospitals obstetricians are beginning to use the test to decide which mothers at risk of early labour should receive special care such as:
-
Admission to hospital rather than staying at home
-
Receiving steroid injections to boost baby lung development in preparation for early delivery
-
Transferring high-risk mothers to specialist hospitals when local facilities are inadequate.
7. What do the test results mean?
Fibronectin is not usually found in middle pregnancy between 23 and 35 weeks. When detected it is a good predictor of premature labour.
8. What does a positive test mean?
A positive test may predict a premature labour within 7 to 10 days.
9. What does a negative test mean?
A negative result implies the chance of not delivering over the following 7 to 10 days is 99.2% even when symptoms seem to indicate early labour.
In other words a negative result is a very reassuring for those worried about premature labour.
-
Women with risk factors or symptoms of early labour
-
Mother’s experiencing symptoms of labour between 23 and 35 weeks of pregnancy
-
Expectant mothers who are preparing to fly overseas or travel on long trips by car, train or ship.
11. When should Fibronectin testing be performed?
The test can be performed between 23 and 35 weeks of pregnancy.
Yes, the Fibronectin test can be repeated at regular intervals to monitor future risk.
13. What are the signs and symptoms of early labour?
-
Contractions which feel like a tightening or cramping pain that occurs every 10 minutes or more frequently
-
Bleeding along with a pink mucous discharge
-
Back or pelvic pain that may feel like downward pressure from the baby
Every pregnancy is different so you should contact your doctor or midwife to discuss what you are feeling.
14. Can the Fibronectin test be performed after membrane rupture?
The test is unreliable in these circumstances and should not be used at present.
15. Can the Fibronectin test be performed if there is bleeding?
The test is unreliable in these circumstances and should not be used at present.
16. Does the test work for twins/multiple pregnancies?
The test has not been fully researched in these circumstances and is not ready for use in this area.
