Fetal Fibronectin

Message

Test performed at York Hospital Laboratory.

Test Code

CPT Codes
82731

Preferred Specimen

Swab

Instructions

The specimen should be obtained from the posterior fornix of the vagina or the ectocervical region of the external cervical os (asymptomatic women only) during a sterile speculum examination. The Dacron swab provided in the Specimen Collection Kit should be inserted into the vagina and lightly rotated across the posterior fornix for approximately 10 seconds to absorb the cervicovaginal secretions.
Once the specimen is obtained, place it into the tube of buffer provided with the Specimen Collection Kit. Break the shaft (at the score) even with the top of the tube. Align the shaft with the hole inside the tube cap and push down tightly over the shaft, sealing the tube.

Transport Container

Adeza Biomedical Collection Kit

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: 3 months

Methodology
Solid Phase Immunosorbent Colorimetric Assay

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Same Day
Available STAT 1 Hour

Reference Range

Negative

Clinical Significance

Fetal Fibronectin is a protein that performs two roles during pregnancy. It is produced by the placenta and acts as the glue that attaches the placenta to the uterine wall. In late pregnancy, it acts as a lubricant, aiding in the passage of the newborn through the vaginal canal. Amniotic fluid contains Fetal Fibronectin and when the membranes leak, fFN can be detected in a cervicovaginal collection. This can be used as a predictor of preterm delivery, defined as less than 37 weeks gestation.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.