Faced with symptoms of preterm labor, Teresa found peace of mind with the Rapid fFN® test
Each year, more than 13 million babies are born prematurely (before 37 weeks’ gestation) worldwide, and complications from preterm birth are the leading cause of death in children under age 5.1 For Prematurity Awareness Month, Teresa Mullen shares how the Rapid fFN® test helped her doctor rule out preterm labor and gave her family peace of mind when it mattered most.
Teresa Mullen was just 27 weeks’ pregnant when she began experiencing early labor symptoms. “I started having consistent contractions that were causing a lot of discomfort,” recalls Teresa. When rest and hydration didn’t help, she went to see her doctor.
Through her work as a regional manager within the Diagnostic Solutions division at Hologic, Teresa knew about a diagnostic assay that can help assess preterm birth risk: the Rapid fFN test. The test, which continues to be available in the U.S. and Canada, detects a glue-like protein called fetal fibronectin (fFN) that helps bond a developing baby to its mother’s uterus. Detection of fFN at weeks 24-34 of pregnancy is a sign that premature birth could be a possibility.
While determining which patients are in true preterm labor is challenging, a negative Rapid fFN test result means that a woman has a less than 1% chance of delivering in the next two weeks.2 This important classification of risk can help inform clinicians about whether a patient needs critical interventions. It also provides reassurance for expectant mothers and allows them to avoid unnecessary hospital stays.
Teresa received the test — which involved taking a sample similar to having a Pap test — and went home to her husband and young son. She received a call later that day and was relieved to learn that her results were negative. “It gave my family incredible peace of mind knowing I was not experiencing preterm labor,” says Teresa. “I was able to continue my normal life, which included work travel, without worry.”
Teresa’s story is a testament to the impact timely and accurate medical testing can have on people’s lives — in this case, expectant parents and their families. As science continues to advance in maternal and fetal health, tools like the Rapid fFN test will continue to be valuable in managing preterm labor, providing assurance for parents and vital insights for clinicians.
Learn more about the Rapid fFN test.