A new definition of the nonstress test.

The nonstress portions of 42 abnormal oxytocin challenge tests (OCT) and 50 negative OCT tracings were redefined by 9 criteria in the literature. The results showed that the criteria of Trierweiler et al are the most predictive of fetal outcome but would lead to unnecessary OCTs in 46% of cases. However, the criteria of Trierweiler et al in combination with a new criteria modified from thos of Paul and Miller and Evertson et al are the most predictive and lead to unnecessary OCTs in only 14% of cases.