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Estimating lecithin/sphingomyelin area ratio in amniotic fluid


Diana G. Richardson

Abstract

A knowledge of the pulmonary maturity of the unborn fetus is an important factor in deciding when to induce birth. A lecithin/sphingomyelin area ratio is obtained by thin-layer chromatography. A molybdenum spray is used to make visible only the choline-containing phospholipids, without necessitating the use of heat. This is a quick and easy method which produces reliable results.

S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 690 (1974).

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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574