Amniotic fluid tests for determining fetal lung maturity include:
A) Bilirubin and urea
B) Bilirubin and lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio
C) L/S ratio and lamellar bodies
D) Creatinine and urea

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The two common tests for determining fetal lung maturity are the L/S ratio and the presence of lamellar bodies in the amniotic fluid. The L/S ratio measures the amount of two phospholipids, lecithin and sphingomyelin, in the fluid. As the fetal lungs mature, the amount of lecithin increases, and the L/S ratio becomes higher. The presence of lamellar bodies also indicates fetal lung maturity, as they are secreted by the alveolar type II cells in the lungs. Bilirubin, urea, and creatinine levels do not indicate fetal lung maturity.

Amniotic Fluid Tests for Determining Fetal Lung Maturity Include