| Specimen: | Cervicovaginal secretions |
| Container: | See Collection Instructions |
| Collection Instructions: | Requires the Hologic Fetal Fibronectin Collection Kit that includes Dacron swab and buffer transport tube. For an asymptomatic woman, during a sterile speculum examination, insert the Dacron swab into the vagina and lightly rotate across the posterior fornix or around the ectocervical region of the external cervical os for about 10 seconds to absorb the cervicovaginal secretions. Carefully remove swab and place into buffer tube provided. Do not contaminate swab with lubricants, soaps, creams or disinfectants. For symptomatic woman, only sample from the posterior fornix. |
| Patient Preparation: | Specimen should be obtained prior to digital cervical examination or vaginal probe ultrasound examination as manipulation of the cervix may cause the release of fetal fibronectin. Specimen should not be collected after microbial culture specimens. |
| Causes for Rejection: | Sample prior to 24 weeks or after 35 weeks gestation; not received within 24 hours. |
| Contraindications: | Do not perform test on asymptomatic women with any of the following conditions: Multiple fetuses, partial or complete placenta previa, cervical cerclage, or sexual intercourse in the preceding 24 hours. Do not perform test on symptomatic women with any of the following conditions: Cervical dilation greater than 3 cm, ruptured amniotic membranes, moderate or gross vaginal bleeding, multiple fetuses, partial or complete placenta previa, cervical cerclage, or sexual intercourse in the preceding 24 hours. |
