Learn about Artificial Fertilisation Diagnosis and Tests, focusing on routine and advanced screening methods for children conceived via IVF to ensure early detection.

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

Diagnosis and Testing after Artificial Fertilisation

At LivHospital, ensuring the long-term health of children conceived through Artificial Fertilisation (IVF) is a top priority. While the vast majority of these children are healthy, a comprehensive diagnostic pathway is followed, starting in the prenatal stage. The goal is to detect and manage any conditions, particularly cardiovascular or developmental concerns, that might be subtly linked to specific Fertility treatment options or the underlying causes of infertility.

Icon LIV Hospital

Routine Screening Tests: Prenatal and Newborn

IVF

Screening begins even before the baby is born and continues immediately after delivery. These non-invasive tests are standard protocol.

  • Fetal Ultrasound and Anatomy Scan:

    • Detailed ultrasounds are performed routinely during pregnancy to monitor fetal growth and examine all major organs for proper formation.
    • A comprehensive anatomy scan (usually around 20 weeks) meticulously checks the fetal structure.
  • Fetal Echocardiogram:

    • This specialized ultrasound of the fetal heart is often recommended for pregnancies resulting from IVF due to the slightly increased risk of heart defects.
    • It provides detailed images of the heart chambers, valves, and blood flow patterns.
  • Newborn Screening Panel:

    • All newborns undergo standard tests, including the heel stick test, to screen for metabolic, genetic, and hormonal disorders that require early intervention.
Icon 1 LIV Hospital

Advanced Diagnostic Methods

IVF

When initial screening or clinical symptoms suggest a potential issue, advanced diagnostic methods are used to achieve a definitive diagnosis with precision.

  • Pediatric Echocardiogram:

    • The most common non-invasive test used after birth if a heart murmur or structural issue is suspected.
    • It uses sound waves to generate real-time moving images of the heart’s function, strength, and structural integrity.
  • Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):

    • Provides highly detailed, high-resolution images of the heart muscle, associated blood vessels, and soft tissues.
    • It is used when an echocardiogram is inconclusive or when complex anatomy requires clarification without the use of X-rays.
  • Cardiac Catheterization (Diagnostic):

    • A minimally invasive procedure where a thin tube is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart.
    • Used to directly measure blood pressure and oxygen levels within the heart chambers and great vessels, providing functional data.

What to Expect During an Echocardiogram

The echocardiogram is a safe, painless, and vital diagnostic tool that provides crucial information about the child’s heart health. Understanding the process can ease anxiety for both child and parent.

  • The child will lie still on a comfortable exam table, often with a parent holding or distracting them.
  • A technician applies a clear, water-soluble gel to the chest area to ensure clear transmission of sound waves.
  • A small handheld device called a transducer is gently moved across the chest, capturing images that are displayed on a monitor.
  • The test usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes and is a key part of monitoring long-term health outcomes following Artificial Fertilisation.

How to Prepare for Diagnostic Tests

Proper preparation helps ensure the child remains calm, which is vital for obtaining clear, high-quality test results, especially for imaging.

  • For Echocardiogram/MRI:

    • The child should wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the chest area.
    • Infants and young children may need to be fed right before the test to encourage sleepiness or calm.
    • Bringing a favorite toy or blanket for comfort is highly recommended.
  • For Blood Tests (If Required):

    • Depending on the specific test (e.g., assessing immune markers), the child may need to fast for a certain period. Always confirm exact fasting requirements with the LIV Hospital nurse or physician.
  • For Specialized Tests (e.g., Catheterization):

    • These require comprehensive pre-test screening and potentially sedation; detailed, specific instructions will be provided by the care team.
IVF

Imaging Techniques Used

LIV Hospital uses advanced, child-safe imaging technologies to ensure accurate diagnosis with minimal invasiveness, supporting the best start for children conceived through Fertility treatment options.

  • Ultrasound and Doppler Technology:

    • The cornerstone of non-invasive diagnosis, relying on sound waves and no radiation, making it safe for repeated use from the fetal stage onward.
    • Doppler allows doctors to assess the speed and direction of blood flow through the heart valves and vessels.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):

    • Used to produce detailed anatomical images using strong magnetic fields and radio waves, excellent for clarifying complex tissue and vessel structures.
    • Sedation may be necessary for very young children to ensure they remain perfectly still during the long scanning period.
  • Computed Tomography (CT) Scans:

    • Generally avoided in children unless absolutely necessary due to radiation exposure, but can provide rapid, cross-sectional images for specific vascular assessments.

Understanding the Test Results

Once testing is complete, LIV Hospital specialists meticulously analyze the data. Communicating results clearly and compassionately to the parents is paramount.

    • What Doctors Look For: Specialists look for structural abnormalities (e.g., holes in the heart), issues with heart valve function, or signs of abnormal heart rhythm. They also assess IVF embryo development related markers, such as specific growth parameters.
  • Results Timeline:

    • Routine blood test results are usually available within a few days.
    • Detailed imaging reports (Echo, MRI) are reviewed by a pediatric specialist and typically shared with the family in a dedicated follow-up consultation within one week.
  • Interpretation: Your doctor will explain the findings, compare them to normal ranges, and discuss the implications for the child’s long-term health and any necessary treatment.

When Do You Need Advanced Imaging or Testing?

Advanced or invasive testing is not routine for all IVF children but is triggered by specific clinical findings or strong risk factors.

  • Abnormal Murmur or Symptoms:
    • If a pediatrician detects a loud or unusual heart murmur, or if the child exhibits symptoms like cyanosis or severe exercise intolerance.
  • Complex Anatomy:
    • When routine echocardiography suggests a complex or rare congenital heart defect that requires the superior anatomical detail provided by a Cardiac MRI.
  • Before Intervention:
    • Diagnostic cardiac catheterization is required immediately before a planned catheter-based repair (interventional procedure).

30
Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical expertise and hospitality to every individual who walks through our doors.  

Book a Free Certified Online Doctor Consultation

Doctors

Table of Contents

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What tests are used to diagnose potential conditions in IVF children?

The primary diagnostic tools include prenatal fetal echocardiogram, pediatric echocardiogram after birth, Cardiac MRI, and the standard newborn metabolic screening panel.

Preparation is simple: ensure your child is calm, well-fed, and wearing comfortable clothes. For infants, try to time the test when they are usually asleep or content for the best results.

No, most common tests like the echocardiogram, MRI, and Holter monitoring are entirely painless and non-invasive. Invasive tests like catheterization involve sedation or anesthesia to ensure comfort.

LIV Hospital utilizes state-of-the-art imaging technology and specialist interpretation, making tests like the pediatric echocardiogram and Cardiac MRI highly accurate in diagnosing congenital heart issues.

Advanced imaging is usually needed if your child exhibits clinical symptoms, if a doctor finds an unusual physical sign, or if routine screening indicates a structural anomaly that requires further detailed assessment.

Spine Hospital of Louisiana

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Let's Talk About Your Health

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.

Let's Talk About Your Health

Contact Us to Get Information!

Contact
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)