Fetus

Contraction Stress Test

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Contraction Stress Test, Oxytocin Challenge Test

  • See Also
  1. Fetal Assessment
  2. Fetal Testing Indications
  3. Fetal Heart Tracing
  • Cost
  • $250
  • Technique
  1. Oxytocin (Pitocin)
    1. Start: 0.5 to 1.0 mU per minute
    2. Titrate: increase 1 mU every 20 minutes
    3. Goal: 3 Contractions every 10 minutes
  2. Nipple Stimulation
  • Contraindications
  1. Absolute
    1. Placenta Previa
    2. Preterm Prolonged Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)
    3. Cerclage
    4. Incompetent Cervix
  2. Relative
    1. Multiple Gestation
    2. History of classic Cesarean Section
  • Interpretation
  1. Negative (Normal)
    1. Adequate contractions:
      1. Three contractions in 10 minutes
      2. Each contraction lasts 40 seconds
    2. No Late Decelerations
  2. Positive
    1. Repetitive, persistent Late Decelerations
    2. Decelerations with more than half of contractions
    3. Not due to uterine hyperstimulation
  • Management
  1. Negative Contraction Stress Test
    1. Reassuring for fetal well being for 7 days
    2. Follow daily Fetal Kick Counts
  2. Positive Contraction Stress Test
    1. Hasten fetal delivery