Laboratory Test Reference Guide

Before performing the test ensure that the foetal membranes are intact, because with ruptured foetal membranes Actim Partus test will also give a positive result. 

Patients with moderate or heavy vaginal bleeding should not be tested. It is recommended that a sample be taken when bleeding has stopped, and the extract is essentially blood-free. 

As gel can interfere with testing, a repeat collection should be deferred by 24 hours after the use of gel."

Instructions for Ward Staff - Specimen Collection and Extraction:
The specimen should be collected prior to performing digital examination and/or transvaginal ultrasound. Take care not to touch anything with the swab before taking the sample. 

1.    Take the cervical secretion specimen using a sterile polyester swab (provided in the kit) from the cervical os during a sterile speculum examination. The swab should be left in the external os for 10-15 seconds to allow it to absorb the secretion specimen. 
2.    Open the extraction buffer tube and extract the specimen immediately from the swab by swirling the swab vigorously in the extraction buffer for 10-15 seconds. Press the swab against the wall of the extraction buffer tube to remove any remaining liquid from the swab. Discard the swab after extraction. NOTE! Do not leave the swab in the tube. 

3.    Label sample with patient details and deliver request form and extraction tube to laboratory ON ICE as soon as possible.

Actim® Partus is a rapid test for the detection of phosphorylated IGFBP-1 in cervical secretions during pregnancy when the fetal membranes are intact. The test is intended to help assess the risk of preterm or imminent birth starting from 22 weeks of gestation when signs and symptoms of preterm birth occur.