Centrifuge for 3 minutes at 1700 rpm (lower than routine centrifuging). Pour off spun specimen and label container as “Spun.” Refrigerate. Include additional clinical information on requisition, i.e., weeks gestation, is patient diabetic, source if not amniotic fluid, e.g., vaginal pool.
Standard Volume:
5 mL amniotic fluid
Minimum Volume:
2.5 mL amniotic fluid
Transport:
Refrigerated.
Comments:
Visible meconium or blood greater than 2% Hct may interfere with the L/S ratio.