FAQs About Fetal Fibronectin Testing
Fetal fibronectin testing is a safe, simple and non-invasive test that can help you and your doctor determine if your body may be preparing to give birth early. This knowledge can make all the difference for you and your baby.
What is a fetal fibronectin test?
An fFN test is a safe, simple and non-invasive test that measures whether fetal fibronectin is leaking from your uterus. Fetal fibronectin is a “glue-like” protein your body produces to help hold your baby in place.1 A positive test result could indicate that your body is preparing to give birth. A negative test result can give you reassurance that your chances are less than 1% of giving birth in the next 2 weeks.2,3
Why is knowing my test result important?
A small percentage of women who get the test will get a positive result, indicating that the body is “leaking” fetal fibronectin. This means that there is an increased chance that your baby could arrive early, and signals to you and your doctor that you may need extra attention. It is important to note that not everyone with a positive test result delivers early.
A negative test result, on the other hand, can give you great peace of mind. 99.2% of women with symptoms of preterm birth who have a negative fetal fibronectin test result will not deliver their baby within the next 14 days.2,3
Where do I get a fetal fibronectin test?
An fFN test is given by your doctor, nurse, or nurse-midwife in his or her office and sent to a laboratory for a result.
Is the test FDA-approved?
Yes. In addition, it has been studied by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).4 It is currently used in more than 80% of US obstetric teaching hospitals.5
Are there any side effects with a fetal fibronectin test?
No, the test is non-invasive, and there are no related side effects for you or your baby.
Can I get tested more than once?
Yes. You and your doctor can decide to repeat the test as often as every 2 weeks during the period from weeks 22 to 35 of gestation.2,3
References
- Lockwood CJ, Kuczynski E. Risk stratification and pathological mechanisms in preterm delivery. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2001;15(suppl 2):78-89.
- Peaceman AM, Andrews WW, Thorp JM, et al. Fetal fibronectin as a predictor of preterm birth in patients with symptoms: a multicenter trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1997;177:13-18.
- Rapid fFN for the TliIQ System [package insert]. AW-04196-002, Rev. 003. Marlborough, MA: Hologic, Inc.; 2015.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=fFN. Accessed October 11, 2017.
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Hologic, Inc. Data on File.
Mom Resources
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