| Procedures and Tests
Procedures are related to the treatment of specific conditions or symptoms.
- Extubation - removal of the ET endotracheal tube
- Oxygen therapy - Babies who are premature, or born with breathing problems, usually will require a course of
oxygen therapy in the NICU. These are less invasive respiratory support devices that give extra oxygen for babies who are
well enough to breathe on their own. The percentage of oxygen given to babies can range from 21 to 100 percent oxygen
(the normal air we breathe is 21 percent). Two types of therapies often used in the NICU include:
- Oxygen hood (halo) -- a plastic box, hood or tent that is placed over the baby’s head delivering warmed and
humidified oxygen into the baby’s environment.
- Nasal Cannula (NC) -- soft, flexible tubing that delivers oxygen to the baby through prongs placed in the
baby’s nose.
- IV infusion - a machine that is electronically timed with a calibrated pump that delivers
medications, nourishment, or other fluids directly into the baby’s bloodstream.
- Central line - an IV line that is placed in a vein, using a small, flexible tube that is
fed through until it lies around the heart.
- Percutaneously inserted central catheter - a long, thin, soft tube that is placed in a
vein in the arm or leg that is advanced until the tip lies in a big vein near the heart. It is used in babies
who will require total parenteral nutrition or medications over a long period of time.
- Umbilical catheter (arterial or venous) - a small, flexible tube that is inserted into the
vessels of the umbilical cord to deliver fluids and/or medication or to remove blood for labwork without having
to stick the baby each time with a needle. The venous line also can monitor the baby’s blood pressure.
- Feeding tubes - Premature and sick babies are not able to eat and digest food on their
own; therefore they must be fed through a feeding tube. This method uses a small, flexible tube placed either
in the baby’s nose or mouth that is passed through the esophagus directly into the baby’s stomach. This
procedure might be slightly uncomfortable to the baby, but it is not painful. In many cases, the baby still is
able to suck on a pacifier while tube feeding. Also, the baby may be placed on IV fluids for the first week or
so for additional fluids. Usually around the 34th week of gestation, the baby is mature enough to coordinate the
suck-swallow-breathe reflex to allow him/her to safely suck through a nipple. It often takes time and patience to
gradually wean the baby off of the feeding tube, so please be patient with this process.
- Total parenteral nutrition - The nutritional formula is given through an intravenous line
for babies who are not able to eat orally.
- Transfusion - the process of delivering blood or blood components (packed red blood cells,
platelets, plasma) directly into the bloodstream.
- Transfusion exchange - replacing a significant amount of the baby’s blood with a donor’s
blood.
Tests are used for diagnostic purposes to determine your infant's condition or disease.
- Spinal tap (lumbar puncture) - a lab procedure that removes a sample of cerebral spinal
fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This tests for cell counts and differentials, glucose and
protein levels, gram stain (to detect growing organisms), and cultures (more accurate in detecting growing
organisms).
- Computerized tomography (CT Scan) - This test usually requires an infant to be sedated in
order to remain perfectly still. During the CT scan, an X-ray beam scans a narrow section of the body into a
computerized image that subsequently can be displayed on film.
- Electrocardiogram - a non-invasive test that evaluates the electrical activity of the
baby’s heart. Leads are placed on the baby’s chest, similar to those of the heart rate monitor.
- Electroencephalogram - a non-invasive test that evaluates the electrical activity of the
brain.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging - a study that measures the alignment of nuclei and their return
to a normal state in an alternating magnetic field. This is used to form detailed images of parts of the body.
- X-ray - uses a beam of low-level radiation to evaluate the infant’s internal organs, lungs,
heart, intestines and bones.
- Ultrasound - the use of sonic waves to produce images of organs such as the brain, kidneys,
heart and abdominal organs.
- Retinal/eye exams - performed by an ophthalmologist using a magnifying device to evaluate
the development of the premature baby’s eyes at six weeks of age.
- Blood gases - a blood test performed to determine the effectiveness of the baby’s
breathing.
- Clotting studies - a blood test that evaluates the infant’s ability to form clots in
his/her blood.
- Culture - a lab test that utilizes blood samples in a special petri dish that allows
infectious organisms to grow over a 24- to 72-hour period.
- Drug levels - a blood sample is drawn from the infant to measure the amount of medication
in the blood. This allows us to adjust the dose of the medication if needed.
- Glucose - a blood test that measures the amount of glucose (simple sugar that is the main
energy source for infants) in the blood.
- Liver function tests - a blood sample used to evaluate a number of substances found in the
baby’s blood as indicators of liver function.
- TORCH screen - a lab test that detects infections that have occurred in utero from the
mother. TORCH stands for Toxoplasmosis, Other Viruses, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus.
- Hearing screening - non-invasive measure of a baby’s hearing. It is a routine test that is
recommended before the baby is discharged from the hospital. Earphones are placed on the baby, and a series of
noises are sounded to determine the baby’s hearing. Brain waves are recorded to evaluate the baby’s response.
- Complete blood count - a blood test that counts the number of red blood cells, white blood
cells and platelets. This test usually is used as the primary means of detecting an infection.
- Thyroid function tests - a blood test that measures the amount of thyroid hormones in the
blood.
- Bilirubin - a substance in the blood that is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells
when circulating the bloodstream. Accumulated bilirubin can cause a baby’s skin color to look yellow, or
jaundiced. A blood test is performed to determine the amount of bilirubin in the blood.
Information
For more information about Maternal/Child Services at Shands AGH,
please call 352.733.0165.
|
News
SHANDS ARTS IN MEDICINE PROGRAM FEATURED IN DOCUMENTARY AIRING ON PBS THIS SUMMER
SHANDS AT UF BECOMES PRIMARY STROKE CENTER, EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION
SHANDS HEALTHCARE HOSPITALS EARN TOP MARKS IN NATIONAL PATIENT-SATISFACTION SCORES
|
