The fern test detects crystallization of salts in the amniotic fluid. Which test is this describing?

The fern test detects crystallization of salts in the amniotic fluid. Which test is this describing?

• A. Nitrazine test detects pH
• B. Fern test detects crystallization of salts in the amniotic fluid
• C. Beta-hCG in vaginal secretions
• D. Ultrasound assessment of fluid leakage

Answer: (B)

Ferning is used to confirm rupture of membranes by detecting amniotic fluid in vaginal secretions. When a drop of amniotic fluid dries on a glass slide, the high salt content crystallizes into a distinctive fern-like pattern. A positive ferning pattern means amniotic fluid is present in the vagina, which strongly suggests that the membranes have ruptured. This test is described precisely by the crystallization of salts in the amniotic fluid. Nitrazine measures pH and can yield false positives with other alkaline secretions; ultrasound can suggest leakage but doesn’t visualize the crystallization pattern; Beta-hCG in vaginal secretions isn’t used for diagnosing rupture of membranes.

Ferning is used to confirm rupture of membranes by detecting amniotic fluid in vaginal secretions. When a drop of amniotic fluid dries on a glass slide, the high salt content crystallizes into a distinctive fern-like pattern. A positive ferning pattern means amniotic fluid is present in the vagina, which strongly suggests that the membranes have ruptured.

This test is described precisely by the crystallization of salts in the amniotic fluid. Nitrazine measures pH and can yield false positives with other alkaline secretions; ultrasound can suggest leakage but doesn’t visualize the crystallization pattern; Beta-hCG in vaginal secretions isn’t used for diagnosing rupture of membranes.