The efficacy of fetal fibronectin testing in minimising hospital admissions, length of hospital stay and cost savings in women presenting with symptoms of pre-term labour

The following review includes a number of studies on the effect of fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing and non-testing, as well as the positive and negative test results, some combining with transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of cervical length primarily to reduce hospital admissions and length of hospital stay (with associated reduction in health service costs), in women presenting to hospital with symptoms of pre-term labour. English language medical literature was analysed using the search parameters: fetal fibronectin, cervical length, preterm labour, hospital admissions and length of stay. A total of 19 studies were included. Ten of these discussed the role of fFN in decreasing hospital admissions, transfers, length of stay and interventions like corticosteroids and tocolytics. Seven studies demonstrated a correlation of fFN testing with an actual estimate of cost savings of health resources. Five studies explored the combined predictability of fetal fibronectin and cervical length with regards to pre-term labour.