Hyaline membrane disease - Diagnosing neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

A number of tests can be used to look for the signs of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) and rule out other possible causes.

These tests may include:

• a physical examination – to check for the distinctive signs and symptoms of NRDS
• blood tests – to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood and check for an infection
• a pulse oximetry test – to measure how much oxygen is being absorbed in the blood, using a sensor attached to the fingertip, ear or toe
• a chest X-ray – to look for the distinctive cloudy appearance of NRDS
• an echocardiogram – a type of ultrasound scan that is used to create a picture of the inside of the heart