What it means
Fetal fibronectin acts like glue between the amniotic sac and the uterine wall. Between about 22 and 35 weeks it is normally absent from vaginal fluid. In a client with signs of preterm labor, a negative test means birth within the next one to two weeks is very unlikely; a positive test is less certain but raises concern for preterm birth.
For the nurse
Collect the swab before any vaginal exam or ultrasound probe. Sex, a vaginal exam, lubricant, douching or bleeding in the past 24 hours can give a false positive, so ask about them.
At a glance
| Normal range | Negative |
|---|---|
| Also written | fFN, fFN test |
Related terms
amniocentesis
A test in which a needle is put through the belly into the uterus to take a sample of amniotic fluid.