STANDARDS OF LABORATORY PRACTICE - EVALUATION OF FETAL LUNG MATURITY

In this standard of laboratory practice I recommend guidelines for fet al lung maturity (FLM) testing. If possible, obtain a 10-mL uncontamin ated sample by amniocentesis. Keep the amniotic fluid at 4 degrees C a nd mix well before testing. If centrifugation is required, strictly ad here to the protocol. Most laboratories should offer a rapid test, suc h as fluorescence polarization, phosphatidylglycerol, or foam stabilit y index, daily on both a routine and emergency basis. Requests for lec ithin/sphingomyelin ratio may be referred to a reference laboratory. C ommunicate immediately the results of any FLM test to the ordering loc ation. The report should contain the result, sample contamination, and reference information. Separate reference intervals for diabetic pati ents are not recommended.