Hofmeyr G J, Lawrie T A, de Jager M, da Ponte A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Coronation, Hospital.
S Afr Med J. 1998 Feb;88(2 Suppl):199-200, 203.
To assess the usefulness of the can as a fetal vibro-acoustic stimulator in the clinical environment.
112 high-risk obstetric patients at Coronation Hospital, Johannesburg.
161 vibro-acoustic stimulation tests with a can and 159 non-stress tests (NSTs) were performed. The results of the can test were compared with those of the NSTs and with fetal outcome at delivery.
The can test showed poor sensitivity (5/9). Three of the 4 false-negative results were due to placental abruption that occurred subsequent to the can test. The ability of the can test to predict a reactive NST and good fetal outcome was 94% (negative predictive value).
In view of the reasonable negative predictive value, the test should be evaluated further as a screening test at primary care level, where there are few or no cardiotocographic facilities.
