What test is used to verify if fluid is amniotic in cases of PROM or PPROM?

The Nitrazine test is used to determine whether the fluid leaking from a pregnant woman is amniotic fluid, especially in cases of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) or preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). This test takes advantage of the pH difference between normal vaginal secretions and amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is typically more alkaline, with a pH of around 7.0 to 7.5, whereas normal vaginal secretions have a pH that is more acidic (about 4.5 to 5.0). In performing the Nitrazine test, a Nitrazine paper is used, which changes color if it comes into contact with alkaline fluid, indicating the presence of amniotic fluid.

For verification of amniotic fluid, other tests such as ultrasound can help assess fluid levels and fetal well-being but do not specifically determine the nature of the fluid. The HCG test is mainly used for confirming pregnancy rather than diagnosing the nature of fluid leakage. The Fern test, while it can indicate the presence of amniotic fluid by examining the fluid under a microscope for a characteristic fern-like pattern, is less commonly used in clinical practice compared to the Nitrazine test. Thus,