investigations

Last reviewed 01/2018

Clearly the investigations are mostly dependent upon the aetiology. Principal investigations however should include:

  • full blood count
  • urea and electrolytes
  • clotting studies
  • blood gases
  • septic screen if infection is a possibility

If blood is vomited or passed in stool in the first few hours of life, then the Apt test may be helpful in distinguishing it from swallowed maternal blood.