Non-Routine Procedures

Some babies cared for at Cork University Maternity Hospital will have the investigations outlined below.

Blood Transfusion

A blood transfusion involves giving donated blood to a patient.  During a blood transfusion, the blood is given in its entirety. Alternatively, parts of the blood can be given on their own, such as, red blood cell transfusion, platelet transfusion, etc. 

If your baby needs a transfusion, the medical team will ask you whether, or not, you give your consent for your baby to receive blood.  Before the procedure, a blood sample will be taken from your baby, and possibly from you too.  Your baby’s blood type will be determined by testing these samples.  This will ensure that your baby gets blood that is a perfect match to its own.

To give the transfusion, the doctor will insert a small plastic cannula into a vein.  For very small babies, the umbilical (belly button) vein may be used.  If your baby already has a cannula inserted for giving medicine and fluids, this cannula can be used to give the transfusion too. 

A blood transfusion takes about 4 hours to deliver, but this depends on the baby.  During this time, like always, the medical team will closely monitor your baby.  In general, small changes in a baby’s temperature, or other ‘vitals’, is not cause for concern.  However, if large changes occur or there are any other side effects, the doctor will review the baby and will decide on what is the best course of action.

Your baby will need to fast before, during, and after the procedure.  During this fasting period, your baby will be kept well hydrated and will receive the necessary nutrients and fluids through the cannula also. After the procedure, your baby will be fed once it is medically safe to do so. 

Stethoscope In Hand Of Newborn Baby Girl

Sometimes your baby may need an additional medical procedure

Lunbar Puncture

If your baby has a positive blood culture or their laboratory results strongly suggest sepsis (infection), they may require a ‘lumbar puncture’.  This test helps to rule out meningitis as the source of infection. 

Before the lumbar puncture, the nurse will give sucrose to your baby for pain relief.  Your baby will be supported in the ‘fetal’ position so that their back is arched/curved.  Arching the back will create more space between the vertebrae (spinal bones) in the lower back (lumbar region).  A small needle is then passed between two vertebrae in the lower spine so that the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain can be collected.  A small sample of this fluid called ‘cerebrospinal fluid’ (CSF) goes to the laboratory for testing for signs of infection.

After the procedure, the medical team will cover the needle puncture site with a sterile dressing and will lie your baby is a flat position.  Your baby will be kept in a flat lying position for a couple of hours to prevent them from experiencing headaches.

It takes 48 hours to get the full results report back from the laboratory.  The doctor will fully explain the results to you as well as the treatment options.