An Integrated System for Fetal Scalp Visualization, Blood Collection and Analysis.

KEY MESSAGE

The new NB scope aids in better visualization of the scalp and blood collection and analysis at bed side.

OBJECTIVE

Caesarean section rates and inherent complications are on the rise all over the world. One way to avoid a caesarean is to measure fetal scalp blood lactate levels. The methods available to visualize fetal scalp, obtain the blood sample and perform the blood test are separate, cumbersome and expensive, needing a certain level of expertise. We propose a device that incorporates all the steps of obtaining a fetal scalp blood lactate into one sleek, easy to use device.

METHODS

The initial design, 3-D print and was tried on mannequin. After ethics committee approval, the prototype was experimented on patients in labour with singleton live fetus in cephalic presentation with no evidence of distress.

RESULTS

There were ( = 9) patients recruited. There were ( = 5) primigravida and ( = 4) multigravida all of whom were in active labour. Parity did not seem to influence ease of instrumentation. Of the ( = 9) mothers ( = 2) had meconium-stained liquor and the rest ( = 7) had clear liquor, meconium-stained liquor did not affect visualization. The mean time taken to collect the sample was 184.11(± 33.04) seconds.

CONCLUSION

The Neeraj-Bhaskar (NB) scope is an easy to use, affordable device that can be used time and again to decide on cases where emergency caesarean section can be avoided due to fetal distress.