What does a positive shake test indicate?

What does a positive shake test indicate?

• A. Lung maturity
• B. Lung immaturity
• C. Infection
• D. Hypoxemia

Answer: (A)

The shake test evaluates fetal lung maturity by detecting surfactant in the amniotic fluid. A positive result means there is enough surfactant to form a stable foam when the sample is shaken, which correlates with mature lungs and a lower risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Surfactant lowers surface tension in the alveoli, helping keep them open after birth, and its presence increases with gestational age. This test does not indicate infection or hypoxemia; those issues require separate assessment. If the test were negative, it would suggest immature lungs and a higher risk for RDS, guiding management decisions around timing of delivery or surfactant therapy.

The shake test evaluates fetal lung maturity by detecting surfactant in the amniotic fluid. A positive result means there is enough surfactant to form a stable foam when the sample is shaken, which correlates with mature lungs and a lower risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Surfactant lowers surface tension in the alveoli, helping keep them open after birth, and its presence increases with gestational age. This test does not indicate infection or hypoxemia; those issues require separate assessment. If the test were negative, it would suggest immature lungs and a higher risk for RDS, guiding management decisions around timing of delivery or surfactant therapy.