Measuring fetal scalp blood lactate during labour

Abstract

Fetal blood lactate can easily and safely be measured with the new microvolume lactate meter. The system requires only 5µl of blood and gives the result in 60 seconds. As opposed to pH meters, the lactometer is considerably cheaper and does not require trained staff or regular attention from a technician. Trials have shown the levels of lactate and pH in fetal scalp blood to be comparable in predicting low Apgar scores at delivery as well as the need for neonatal intensive care unit admission. Lactate concentration in umbilical artery blood has also been shown to have the same predictive properties as pH in relation to perinatal morbidity and mortality. Owing to its simplicity of performance, lactate analysis with the new test strip method is an attractive complement of intrapartum fetal monitoring.