Use of the drop volume of amniotic fluid in estimating the risk for respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn infant
The present study describes the testing and function of the drop-volume method in the analysis of fetal lung maturity with use of amniotic fluid. Elevated surface tension resulting from a lack of surface-active phospholipids (surfactant) is the primary etiologic defect in the development of respiratory distress syndrome. The drop-volume method quantifies the surface tension of amniotic fluid with
