ABSTRACT
A simple and quick screening method to determine fetal lung maturity is tested. Artificial
air bubbles in amniotic fluid are measured microscopically in a moist chamber. Thus
the concentration of the lung surfactant is evaluated and presented by the stability
index (SI). This index increases continuously during pregnancy and is used as a means
to determine fetal lung maturity. The large standard deviation of the SI between 30
and 35 weeks gestation limits the application of this simple method.
