Fetal Fibronectin Test (fFN) – Why am I having this test?
Fetal fibronectin is a protein that your body makes during pregnancy. Having fFN in your vaginal fluid between 22 and 36 weeks of pregnancy could be a warning sign that your baby will be born early (prematurely).
Babies born prematurely, or before 37 weeks, may have trouble breathing or feeding.
You may have this test if you have symptoms of premature labor, such as:
- Contractions.
- More vaginal discharge.
- Backache.
What is being tested?
This test checks the level of fFN in your vaginal fluid.
What kind of sample is taken?
This test requires a sample of fluid from inside your vagina. This sample is collected by your health care provider using a cotton swab.
How do I prepare for this test?
- For 24 hours before the test, do nothave sex or put anything into your vagina.
Tell a health care provider about:
- Any allergies you have.
- Any
medical conditions you have, especially any vaginal yeast infections or
any symptoms of a yeast infection, including:
- Itchiness.
- Soreness.
- Unusual discharge.
How are the results reported?
Your results will be reported as positive or negative for fFN. If positive, results may also be given as micrograms of fFN per milliliter of vaginal fluid (mcg/mL). A result of 0.05 mcg/mL or less is considered negative.
A false-positive result can occur. A false positive is incorrect because it means that a condition is present when it is not. A number of factors may lead to false-positive results, including vaginal bleeding, recent sexual intercourse, or a recent cervical exam. Your health care provider will talk to you about doing more tests to confirm your results.
What do the results mean?
A negative result means that no fFN was found in your vaginal fluid, meaning that premature delivery during the next 2 weeks is very unlikely. If you are still having symptoms of early labor, you may need to have this test again in two weeks.
A positive result means that fFN was found in your vaginal fluid. This means that your risk for premature labor is greater, but it does not mean that you will go into early labor. Your health care provider may do other tests and exams to closely monitor your pregnancy.
Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
Questions to ask your health care provider
Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
- When will my results be ready?
- How will I get my results?
- What are my treatment options?
- What other tests do I need?
- What are my next steps?
Summary
- Fetal fibronectin (fFN) is a protein that your body makes during pregnancy.
- Having fFN in your vaginal fluid between 22 and 36 weeks of pregnancy could be a warning sign that your baby will be born early (prematurely).
- A negative result means that no fFN was found in your vaginal fluid, meaning that premature delivery over the next 2 weeks is very unlikely.