What tests will the baby need to confirm DORV?

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What tests will the baby need to confirm DORV?

Sometimes a healthcare provider spots DORV before a baby is born. In other cases, the first signs of a heart problem get noticed with birth. Either way, the baby needs an exam:

  • The healthcare provider will look for signs of cyanosis.
  • Using a stethoscope, the healthcare provider will listen to the heart.
  • The provider will use pulse oximetry (pulse ox) screening to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. The test is simple and pain-free.

Then the healthcare provider may order one or more tests:

  • Initial imaging tests: CT, MRI and X-ray are common ways to take pictures inside the body.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): An electrocardiogram is a painless test that measures electrical activity in the heart.
  • Echocardiogram (echo): An echocardiogram is also pain-free and measures sound waves from the chest to create images of the heart.
  • Cardiac catheterization (cardiac cath): Cardiac catheterization is also called an angiogram. A thin tube goes through a vein and into the heart to get details on heart function.

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