CentraCare Laboratory Services
Policy and Procedure Manual
Prepared by: Melissa Schmidt, CLS
ACTION
Revised
Reviewed
Reviewed
Reviewed
Reviewed
Reviewed
TITLE: Nitrazine Testing of Vaginal Secretions
DATE
1/9/11
1/10/12
1/14/14
1/5/15
INITIAL
MAS
MAS
MAS
MAS
Supersedes: 3/95 updated format
PRINCIPLE: To be performed by labor/delivery RN to assist in determination of status of
membranes – ruptured or intact. The labor/delivery RN will be knowledgeable of the Nitrazine test
color interpretations and communicate results to the physician. They will be assessed for
competency upon orientation and reassessed annually. Annual reassessment will be done by
trainers utilizing this policy on OCW Education Day and documented on their education checklist.
RN’s and LPN’s are tested for color blindness upon hire to the PCW Care Center. Occupational
health will notify the unit if a nurse is color blind.
PROCEDURE:
1.
Preparation
A. Collect fluid to be tested by Nitrazine paper. i.e. glove used for SVE, peripad,
underpants, chux, etc.
B. Remove a 1-2 inch portion of Nitrazine paper to be used for testing
2.
Teaching
A. Instruct patient about methods of Nitrazine paper testing
3.
Implementation
A. Touch paper strip to wet/damp article or fluid to be tested, shake off any excess fluid and
read immediately.
B. Compare strip to pH chart enclosed in Nitrazine paper dispenser.
C.
Membranes probably intact = negative
Yellow
pH 5.0
Olive yellow pH 5.5
Olive green
pH 6.0
D.
Ruptured membranes = positive
Blue green
pH 6.5
Blue gray
pH 7.0
Deep blue
pH 7.5
E. Dispose of paper strip
F.
Communicate test results to physician
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CentraCare Laboratory Services
Policy and Procedure Manual
4.
Documenation
A. Document test results as positive or negative
5.
Quality Control
A. Store Nitrazine test paper at room temperature. Do not use after expiration date.
B. Each lot number will be tested with positive and negative control solutions provided by
laboratory personal.
C. Amniotic fluid pH is generally 7 to 7.5, whereas vaginal secretions are in the range of 4.5
– 5.5. Bloody show can give a false positive reading because blood, like amniotic fluid, is
not acidic.
REFERENCES:
1.
Directions for use of Nitrazine paper distributed by Apothecon7,
a Bristol – Meyers Squibb Company 1995.
2.
Reeder, S., Martin, L., Koniak, D. (1992), Maternity Nursing: Family, Newborn and Women’s
health Care. 17th Ed., J.B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia.
2