Frequently asked questions
Q: How is the sample handled?
A. The sample is taken with the Dacron swab that it is included in the test package. The Partus sample is always taken from the cervix.
After the swab has absorbed the sample, it is transferred and extracted in the sample extraction solution. At this point, the sample is ready for testing.
Q: Can the same sample be used for both actim PROM and actim Partus tests?
A: Separate samples need to be taken for the two tests. The sample for Partus test must be taken from the cervix, while a vaginal or cervical sample can be used for the PROM test. The test requires at least 150 µl of sample to perform correctly, and this may also limit the possibility to run two dipstick tests from the same sample tube.
Q: Can the dipstick be left in the sample to develop?
A: The dipstick should be removed from the sample as soon as the liquid front becomes visible in the result window. Appearance of the liquid front in the result window indicates that enough sample has been absorbed by the dipstick. If the dipstick is left in the sample, the dipstick goes on absorbing the sample which in turn may lead into uncontrollable flow.
Q: Do the results need to be read exactly at 5 minutes?
A: A positive result can be interpreted as soon as two blue lines become visible in the result window, however a negative test must be confirmed at 5 minutes. As the immunochromatography reaction continues to develop over time, the lines may become stronger or even new lines may appear in the result area. These lines must not be interpreted as positive as they indicate analyte levels below the detection limit of the test.
Q: Should the intensity of the test line be compared to the intensity of the control line?
A: The result is interpreted by counting the number of lines in the result area. No attention should be paid to the relative intensities of the control and test lines.
Q: Can the Partus test be used on patients with ruptured membranes?
A: Partus test identifies a different phosphorylation form of IGFBP-1 than PROM test. However, the level of IGFBP-1 in amniotic fluid is so strongly elevated, that in case of leakage of amniotic fluid, Partus test will give a positive result. To correctly interpret the Partus result, it should be first confirmed that the fetal membranes are intact. This can be done e.g. by first performing the PROM test.
Maternal blood contains elevated levels of phosphorylated IGFBP-1, and therefore Partus samples should be essentially blood free to avoid false positive results.
Q: Is there a risk of false positive results due to recent intercourse?
A: IGFBP-1 is not detected in urine or seminal fluid, and therefore recent intercourse does not affect the PROM or Partus test results.
