A method for determination of lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio in amniotic fluid.
A method is described for the evaluation of amniotic fluid lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratios. The acetone precipitation step is eliminated, resulting in higher concentrations of phospholipids. Silica gel-impregnated glass fiber papers are used for rapid chromatography. For spot detection, a bismuth reagent is used which is specific for lecithin and sphingomyelin. The method is simple, inexpensive, rapid and a reliable indicator of the L/S ratio, and useful in laboratories that are not equipped with a densitometer.
D000096:Acetone; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000032:analysis*; D001729:Bismuth; D011232:Chemical Precipitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines / Q000032:analysis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000175:diagnosis; D013109:Sphingomyelins / Q000032:analysis*
D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D013109:Sphingomyelins; D000096:Acetone; D001729:Bismuth