Abstract
A bubble-stability test was performed on 356 samples of amniotic fluid to assess its practical value as a rapid method of confirming adequate surface activity in the developing fetal lung. The results of the test were compared with the lecithin: sphingomyelin area ratio, gestational age, and clinical outcome. It is concluded that the bubble-stability test is a useful screening procedure for predicting the risk of neonatal respiratory distress. For this purpose, it need only be performed in a 1 in 2 dilution of amniotic fluid. A positive result at this dilution indicates that respiratory distress is most unlikely to occur if the baby is delivered without delay, but a negative result calls for a more direct measurement of fetal pulmonary surfactant in the amniotic fluid, e.g., the lecithin: sphingomyelin ratio or lecithin concentration.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
