Better Tools, Better Outcomes: The Latest Addition to Hologic’s Suite of Maternal Health Solutions
Focused on a continued investment in women’s health, Hologic is now the exclusive U.S. distributor of a test designed to quickly and efficiently detect premature rupture of fetal membranes, supporting informed care and management for pregnant women and their babies.
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) occurs when the amniotic sac breaks before labor begins. As the leading identifiable cause of preterm delivery, associated with 30-40% of births before 37 weeks’ gestation, PROM can increase the risk of infection and other serious complications for women and their babies. 1
The Actim® PROM rapid test works by detecting major protein marker IGFBP-1 in amniotic fluid. While this marker can be found elsewhere in the body, including in maternal blood, this test is designed to specifically detect the amniotic fluid forms of the protein without concern for test interference. This type of precision offers healthcare providers and patients the reliability they need for an accurate diagnosis, swift care and attention, and informed management.
Quote from Dr. Kyle Bukowski
"We’re seeing a steady shift toward better tools and technologies for women’s health. The Actim PROM test is part of that broader movement to modernize care, designed to help improve efficiency and satisfaction for both clinicians and patients, while broadening equitable access to high-quality diagnostics."
Clear answers in critical moments
According to Dr. Bukowski, obstetricians and midwives traditionally relied on a microscope to determine if membranes were ruptured. “This method is less sensitive... and specifically requires a clinician to perform a speculum exam.”
The Actim PROM test, however, can be collected with or without a speculum, meaning it can be performed by a nurse or other healthcare professional. “More testing run by more healthcare workers means more access for patients. That’s a big deal, especially for rural or underserved areas,” said Dr. Bukowski.
Bleeding is also common during rupture of membranes and labor, so “the fact that this test isn’t observed to be impacted by blood or other interferences is a major differentiator and removes a significant limitation of other diagnostics,” he said. “It comes down to assurance for the patient that we have a reliable, reproducible test that gives good information at the point of care.”
Investing in women, from preconception to postpartum and beyond
The Actim PROM test joins Hologic’s growing portfolio of diagnostic solutions designed to support women at every stage of life. This includes:
- A rapid fetal fibronectin (fFN) test to assess a pregnant patient’s risk of preterm labor and help reduce unnecessary hospital admissions or stays.
- A comprehensive suite of sexual and vaginal health tests to empower patients to protect their sexual and reproductive health and help stop the spread of disease.
- A Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening test to help reduce potentially serious complications of GBS transmission to newborns during delivery.
“A consistent experience as a women’s health provider is a lack of investment and R&D in women’s health overall,” said Dr. Bukowski. “At Hologic, I’m encouraged by our focus on the differentiated and evolving needs of women across the healthcare continuum. Adding the Actim PROM test to our offerings is just one, very clear example of our commitment to advancing women’s health through innovation, collaboration and expanded access for all.”
*The test has been designed to minimize interference from bleeding, but in cases of heavy bleeding the blood locally may have a higher concentration of IGFBP-1 protein. In these cases, a positive result should be interpreted with caution.
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1. Jazayeri A. Premature Rupture of Membranes. Medscape. Last reviewed February 24, 2023. Accessed April 16, 2025. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/261137-overview#a1
The content in this piece is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Results may vary depending on your particular health conditions. Please contact your medical professional for specific advice regarding your health and treatment. This information is not intended as a product solicitation or promotion where such activities are prohibited. Because Hologic materials are distributed through websites, eBroadcasts and tradeshows, it is not always possible to control where such materials appear. For specific information on what products may be available in a particular country, please write to womenshealth@hologic.com.