Urinalysis and Body Fluids 6th Edition by Majorie DiLorenzo, Susan Strasinger

Exercise 25

Why might a creatinine level be requested on an amniotic fluid?

A. Detect oligohydramnios

B. Detect polyhydramnios

C. Differentiate amniotic fluid from maternal urine

D. Evaluate lung maturity

Step 1 of 2

Amniotic fluid:

Fetus is surrounded by a membranous sac called amnion. The existence of fluid can be seen in amnion.

Differentiating amniotic fluid from maternal urine

It is necessary to distinguish fluid from maternal urine because; the accidental puncture or rupture of maternal bladder can be detected when collecting the specimen.

• The fluid and maternal urine are distinguished using the chemical analysis of creatinine, glucose, urea, and protein.

• Creatinine and urea levels are much higher in urine than amniotic fluid.

Therefore, creatinine level is requested to “distinguish amniotic fluid from maternal urine”. Hence, the correct answer is option.