Fetal razor: an aid for scalp sampling

Scalp sampling to evaluate fetal acid-base status was introduced 20 years ago. In most instances, adequate samples may be obtained without difficulty. Occasionally, however, a region of scalp free of hair cannot be found. As a result, the sample either diffuses along the hairs that are present or clots. Although a "fetal razor" has been incorporated into the kits that are utilized to apply pO2 electrodes to the fetal scalp, none has been devised for routine fetal scalp sampling. We report the modification of a single or double-edged razor for this specific purpose.