Placental Tissue Gram Staining (for Pathologic Evaluation)

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, or signs of infection (such as redness or swelling) during pregnancy. It’s also used to investigate unexplained complications like preterm labor or low birth weight, which could be linked to placental infections.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll likely need to provide a placental tissue sample after delivery. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s prepared and stained with a specific dye (gram stain) to highlight bacteria. No special preparation is needed beforehand.

What Happens During the Test

The lab technician examines the stained tissue under a microscope to look for bacteria. Results are qualitative (positive or negative) and indicate whether microorganisms are present.

What the Results Mean

Positive results suggest the presence of bacteria in the placenta, which could indicate an infection (e.g., chorioamnionitis). Negative results mean no visible bacteria were found. Your provider will discuss findings in relation to your pregnancy symptoms and overall health.