Abstract
Objective: Gram stain of amniotic fluid (AF) is used to detect intraamniotic
infection. The purpose of this study was to determine if centrifugation improved the
ability of AF Gram stain to detect bacteria.Methods: AF obtained by amniocentesis from patients with preterm
labor (PTL) or preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) was pooled. Individual
AF samples as well as the pooled sample had a negative Gram stain for microorganisms
or white blood cells (WBCs) and negative cultures. With pure bacterial cultures, a suspension
equivalent to a 0.5 McFarland turbidity standard was prepared and then serially
diluted in the AF to either