Common terms - B
When infection is suspected in a baby, a small sample of blood
is taken and then sent to the laboratory for testing. The blood is put into a
special bottle which fluid that encourages bacteria to grow. After 48 hours, if
no bacteria have grown, then the blood culture is said to be negative.
If bacteria have grown, then the blood culture is positive.
Laboratory staff can tell which 'bug' is present. The results can guide us as to which antibiotics to use.
Many newborn babies with infection still have negative cultures
and then the decision about which antibiotic to use, and the length of time it is continued,
is decided by the doctors caring for the baby.
Blood gas analysis (blood gases):
If a baby is having difficulty with breathing or needs help with
breathing, a small sample of his blood is taken, usually from an arterial
line, and put it into a machine on the unit. The results of this blood test
show how well a baby's lungs are working. Babies who are very ill may need a
'blood gas' to be taken every few hours.
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Bile:
This is a green fluid found in the intestine, which is important in the
break down of fats. Sometimes, if a baby's intestine stops working or there is
a blockage, bile may back track into the baby's stomach. Bile is then seen in the
aspirates from the stomach or in any vomit from the baby.
Bilirubin:
Bilirubin is one of the waste products left over from the break down of red
blood cells in the body. It is usually removed from the body in urine and
stool, after it has been processed by the liver.
The liver of the newborn baby is a little slow at first to process bilirubin.
This results in a build up of bilirubin which is seen as jaundice,
a yellow colour in in the skin, eyes, nail beds and mucous membranes.
Bradycardia
This is a slowing of the heart rate. In new babies the heart
rate is usually 120 - 160 beats per minute. If a baby's heart rate slows to
less than 100 beats per minute then it is called a bradycardia. Bradycardia is
common in premature babies and is usually part of apnoea of prematurity. In
most cases the baby will recover on his own however, sometimes he may need a
gentle rub or pat to help him. These episodes usually stop after 34 weeks
gestation. A heart rate of less than 100 beats per minute in a sleeping baby
born at term is not unusual and does not cause alarm in staff.
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