What blood test may be used to determine when brain injury occurred in a baby during the birthing experience?

To watch these videos, please download Flash Player

Q: What blood test may be used to determine when brain injury occurred in a baby during the birthing experience?

A: Umbilical cord blood gas is one test that may offer information about lack of oxygen to a baby's brain. When a baby experiences lack of oxygen for a prolonged period of time, metabolic acidosis may result. Lack of oxygen and severe metabolic acidosis is a neonatal emergency and may permanently damage a baby's brain. Umbilical cord blood gas results, in many circumstances, can offer important information about how long a baby went with low or no oxygen during the birth experience.