Diagnostic Modalities in Premature Rupture of Membranes

Rupture of membranes prior to the onset of labor is known as Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM). Early and correct diagnosis is crucial in order to prevent fetal and maternal risks that can be life threatening. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic ability of the tests in PROM. Nitrazine test, fern test, amnio-dye test, biochemical tests (insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 and placental alpha microglobulin-1) were evaluated in terms of effectiveness in diagnosis of PROM. A gold standard method has not yet been defined in PROM. Diagnostic tests (nitrazine test, fern test, Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-1 “IGFBP-1” and Placental Alpha Microglobulin-1 “PAMG-1”) should be used when the diagnosis is not certain following history, examination with sterile speculum and ultrasonography evaluation. IGFBP-1 and PAMG-1 are tests based on bedside immunochromatographic method. Especially, PAMG-1 comes into prominence with its high sensitivity and specificity.