Medical tests, scans and care
It is likely that your baby will have different tests whilst they are in the unit. This is so that your baby’s changing needs can be met, and the neonatal team can monitor how they are responding to their care.
Medical tests help the neonatal team to them make decisions about whether to continue with a treatment, try something new, and whether your baby needs to be moved to a different hospital for more specialist care.
Tests and procedures will only be done when your baby needs them. The neonatal staff will always try to reduce pain, discomfort and the disturbance caused to your baby.
During these procedures you may be able to comfort your baby to reduce their discomfort, for example through comfort holding (cradling their hands and feet) or breastfeeding when the test is done.
There are some common tests and procedures you might come across. You can read more about the tests and care your baby may receive on this page.
Blood tests
Blood is the body’s transport system, moving oxygen, nutrients, waste products and chemical messages to all the right places.
Your baby’s blood does many jobs, including fighting infection. Because of this, blood tests can show how your baby is progressing.
Most blood samples are taken by pricking the skin to get blood from the back of your baby’s hand or heel. The team might check the following things:
Sugar levels
Blood carries energy in the form of sugar. This test tells the doctors whether your baby’s blood sugar levels are being properly controlled.
Babies born to mums with diabetes (a condition which causes blood sugar levels to be too high) or babies born with a very low birthweight may have problems keeping a healthy blood sugar level, and so will be monitored more closely.
Blood gases
As well as carrying oxygen from the lungs, blood also carries carbon dioxide back to the lungs so we can breathe it out as waste gas.
Measuring the levels of carbon dioxide, as well as other waste chemicals carried by the blood, can give clues about how your baby is breathing. It can also help tell how other organs, such as kidneys, are working.
Platelets
These are important for controlling bleeding. In premature and sick babies, the platelet count can be too low. This is why this is monitored. If the level does get too low, your baby could need a platelet transfusion.
Haemoglobin (pronounced hee-mo-glow-bin)
This chemical helps blood to transport oxygen. It is carried by red blood cells. If your baby does not have enough red blood cells, the body may not get enough oxygen. This is called being anaemic (pronounced an-ee-mick).
If your baby’s haemoglobin gets very low, they might need a blood transfusion.
White blood cells
These cells play a big role in fighting infections. Checking these levels helps to see how well your baby is fighting an infection, or if an infection is starting.