Actim PROM is a diagnostic procedure for the detection of premature rupture of the bladder in pregnancy. The detection of premature rupture of the bladder is based on the use of monoclonal antibodies that precisely detect non-phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1). Protein detection can be used to qualitatively determine amniotic fluid in the vagina (vaginal) by rapid test. The benefit of Actim PROM lies in particular in the high specificity of the diagnostic procedure (probability that actually healthy individuals who do not suffer from the disease in question will also be identified as healthy in the test), since the detection of IGFBP-1 in the smear is to be regarded as a sure sign of the presence of ruptures in the embryonic membrane. The appearance of IGFBP-1 in the smear preparation is possible only if a significant amount of amniotic fluid enters the vagina, which occurs in the event of rupture of the bladder.
Indications (areas of application)
- Suspected premature rupture of membranes – premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a serious complication during pregnancy that can result in miscarriage or premature birth. Premature rupture of membranes can be followed by ascending infection, which, depending on the age of pregnancy, can lead to the development of lung damage (due to the lack of lung maturity in view of the early gestational age) or contractures of the extremities. In addition, it is possible that the ascending infection may induce miscarriage or premature delivery of the child by inducing labor pains. The various complications lead to a massive increase in fetal (child) and maternal (mother) morbidity (incidence of illness) and mortality (death rate).
Before the study
If premature rupture of the membranes is suspected, Actim PROM as a rapid biochemical test is a procedure that can detect premature rupture of the membranes within a very short time, so that immediate therapeutic measures can be initiated.
The procedure
Actim Prom is a qualitative immunochromatographic procedure that allows detection of leaked amniotic fluid in the vaginal secretion (vaginal secretion) of the pregnant woman without any other diagnostic methods. The test is performed by medical professionals, as the handling is relatively complex. As material for the test, a sample is taken from the vagina using a swab. The sample is then transferred to buffer solution and examined.
The detection of the amniotic fluid is based on the use of highly sensitive and very specific monoclonal antibodies. These allow the determination of minute amounts of the amniotic fluid present in the vaginal secretion after premature rupture of the membranes. The presence of the amniotic fluid is indicated by the detection of an almost amniotic fluid-specific protein, IGFBP-1.
It should be noted, however, that the sensitivity (percentage of diseased patients in whom the disease is detected by use of the test, i.e., a positive test result occurs) of the test may vary depending on the time of testing. There is a risk in rare cases that a specimen may not be collected until more than 12 hours after rupture of the membranes, and any rupture that has occurred may not be detected because it has spontaneously reclosed.
After the examination
Counseling by the attending physician should occur regardless of the result of the procedure. If the test result is positive, therapeutic measures should be initiated immediately. Coordination between the medical team and the patient is very important in this regard.
