What test can be performed to check for premature rupture of membranes?

The Nitrazine test is a valuable tool used to evaluate for premature rupture of membranes (PROM). This test involves the use of Nitrazine paper, which changes color based on the pH level of a fluid. Amniotic fluid has a higher pH (about 7.0 to 7.5) compared to vaginal secretions, which are typically more acidic (around 4.0 to 5.0). When a sample of fluid collected from the vagina is placed on the Nitrazine paper, a color change towards blue indicates the presence of amniotic fluid, suggesting that the membranes may have ruptured prematurely.

Other tests listed, while relevant in other clinical contexts, do not serve the purpose of directly assessing for PROM. For instance, the glucose test is not used for this purpose; elevated glucose levels in amniotic fluid can indicate certain conditions but are not standard for confirming membrane rupture. The Bishop score is a method for assessing cervical readiness for labor rather than checking for membrane integrity, and the non-stress test evaluates fetal well-being through monitoring heart rate patterns rather than assessing the status of the membranes. Thus, the Nitrazine test stands out as the appropriate and specific method for checking for premature rupture