A stress test, also known as a "contraction stress test" or CST involves hospital admission and induction of contractions to determine fetal health. Another name for the CST is Oxytocin Challenge Test or OCT.

How to do the CST / OCT

An intravenous solution of pitocin is usually given very slowly until there are 3 contractions in a 10-minute period while the fetal heart beat is monitored electronically.

Negative CST contraction stress test

• A negative CST is when there are 3 contractions / 10 minutes without fetal heart rate decelerations

Positive CST contraction stress test

• A positive CST or OCT is defined as a test where more than 50% of contractions are associated with late decelerations