Convenience and Cost Benefits
FullTerm™, The Fetal Fibronectin Test, is a simple, Pap-like test that can be administered in your office or hospital and sent to lab. The specimen collection procedure involves 4 easy steps. The results can provide important information to help you manage the pregnancies of those patients who concern you the most.
Cost benefits of fetal fibronectin testing
A study to determine the financial impact of fetal fibronectin testing showed that reductions in admissions for preterm labor and in charges per admission resulted in approximately $486,000 saved.1 There was no negative impact on neonatal outcomes.
The cohort study, by Joffe et al,1 evaluated a population of 1936 pregnant women over a 12-month period for admissions for preterm labor. During the study period, 243 patients with symptoms of preterm labor had a fetal fibronectin test performed. Results were compared to a 12-month baseline when fetal fibronectin testing was not performed.
Compared to the baseline year (when fetal fibronectin was not used), during the study year (when fetal fibronectin was used) there were significantly fewer admissions for preterm labor, preterm labor admissions per patient, and prescriptions for tocolytic agents.
During the study year, based on use of FullTerm, The Fetal Fibronectin Test, the length of stay per admitted patient and preterm labor charges per admitted patient were significantly reduced.
In summary, the use of fetal fibronectin testing resulted in reductions in admissions for preterm labor and charges per admission.
Total Cost of Preterm Labor Admissions
A cohort study comparing the costs of preterm labor admissions during a 12-month period utilizing FullTerm, The Fetal Fibronectin Test, versus a baseline period before the test was implemented as standard protocol.1
Who should be tested?
Reference
- 1. Joffe GM, Jacques D, Bemis-Heys R, et al. Impact of the fetal fibronectin assay on admissions for preterm labor. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1999;180:581-86.