Newborn point of care lung ultrasound scan

Your baby has been found to have breathing problems. A medical professional will perform a point of care lung ultrasound scan, to help diagnose their problem. This leaflet will explain:

• what a point of care lung ultrasound scan is

• what happens during and after the procedure; and

• what the benefits and risks are to having this scan.

We hope this leaflet answers some of the questions you may have. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to a member of your baby's medical team.

What is a point of care lung ultrasound scan?

Ultrasound is a technique that uses sound waves. The sound waves are emitted from a handheld probe. They create an image of the area being scanned, in this case your baby's lungs.

The human ear cannot hear the sound waves, so they are called ultrasound waves.

Point of care means doing the ultrasound where your baby is being treated. They do not need to be moved to another area of the hospital for the scan.

What will the procedure involve?

What are the benefits of a point of care lung ultrasound scan?

• The scan can find and diagnose any breathing problems your baby may have.

• Your baby's medical team can track changes in your baby's breathing problems. They do this by performing many scans over a period of time, whilst your baby is in hospital.

• The results of the ultrasound can inform treatment options. They can also track your baby's response to treatments.

• An ultrasound is a quick procedure, performed at your baby's bedside.

• Performing an ultrasound, can reduce your baby’s exposure to x-rays.

Are there any risks of a point of care lung ultrasound scan?

A lung ultrasound is a safe procedure. It is like the scans you may have during your pregnancy, that look at your baby inside the womb.

We will take steps to make sure that your baby is warm and comfortable throughout their scan. We may give your baby some of your milk or sucrose to keep them settled during the scan.

What if I choose not to have the scan?

The scan will provide your medical team with useful information about your baby's lungs. However, you can decide not to have the procedure. Other tests (such as an x-ray) may be used instead, to help guide the treatment your baby needs. If you have any questions, please speak to a member of your baby’s medical team.

How can we prepare for the scan?

There is nothing specific that you should do before your baby’s scan. Please ask the doctor or nurse if you have any questions, they will be happy to answer them.

What happens after the scan?

The medical professional who performed the scan will explain the results. They will also explain any treatments that your baby may need following their scan.

What if I have any questions about the scan or my baby’s health?

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to a member of your baby’s medical team.

References

• Corsini L, et al. Lung ultrasound in the neonatal intensive care unit: Review of the literature and future perspectives. Pediatric Pulmonology 2020; 55: 1550 - 1562.

Ask 3 Questions

There may be choices to make about your healthcare. Before making any decisions, make sure you get the answers to these three questions:

• What are my choices?

• What is good and bad about each choice?

• How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right for me?

Your healthcare team needs you to tell them what is important to you. It’s all about shared decision making.

What do you think of this leaflet?

We welcome feedback, whether positive or negative, as it helps us to improve our care and services.

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• Patient Voice Team
  Telephone: 01227 868605
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