Fern Test Flashcards

Which one of the following specimen types is used for the Fern Test?

False positive results may occur if the patient specimen is contaminated with?

A sterile swab is not necessary for sample collection.

A false negative result may occur if membranes had been ruptured for more than 24 hours.

The cervical mucous plug must not be touched during the sample collection.

The fern leaf pattern appears when the amniotic fluid sample is?

Interpret this Fern Test result: Negative.

Interpret this Fern Test result: Positive.

Interpret this Fern Test result: Negative.

Fern Test Overview

Utilizes vaginal fluid from the posterior vaginal fornix as the primary specimen for testing.
If no fluid pool is observed, alternatives include collecting from the external cervical os.

Contamination and Results

False positive results can occur if specimens are contaminated with:
- Blood
- Urine
- Semen
- Cervical mucous

Sample Collection Protocol

A sterile swab is essential for proper specimen collection to avoid contamination.
Touching the cervical mucous plug during sample collection is prohibited to ensure accuracy.

Timing and Test Sensitivity

False negative results may be observed if membranes have been ruptured for over 24 hours, indicating reduced test reliability after this period.

Test Mechanism

The fern leaf pattern in amniotic fluid occurs when the sample is air-dried on a glass slide.
This pattern is caused by the high concentration of electrolytes and proteins in amniotic fluid, allowing it to crystallize distinctively.

Result Interpretations

Fern Test results can vary:
- A positive result indicates the presence of amniotic fluid.
- A negative result suggests the absence of amniotic fluid.

Test your knowledge about the Fern Test with these flashcards. Learn about the specimen types used and the factors that can lead to false positive results. Perfect for healthcare professionals and students studying reproductive health.