What sort of tests are used for these babies and children?

The usual out-patient tests are a simple pysical examination (and it is
very important that parents and the child should be calm at this, or the
doctor will hear nothing through his stethoscope); an electrocardiogram,
which is done by attaching wires quite painlessly to arms, legs and chest,
while taking a tracing; and X-ray pictures of the chest.
A scan of the baby’s (or child’s) chest using high frequency sound
waves gives a lot of information about the heart problem. This test is very
similar to one many mothers will have had during their pregnancy, and is
quite harmless. The scan will show a picture of the heart on a television
screen. This test may be done during an out-patient visit, or be one of the
tests performed if it is necessary to come into hospital.
A very accurate test may be needed before surgical correction is carried
out, or to decide whether anything needs to be done. These tests consist of
passing a tube up a vein (usually in the groin) and through this to make
measurements in the heart and large blood vessels, and through this too to
inject a substance which shows up on X-rays,and so outlines the heart and its
defects. These usually involve no risk, but do require a tiny cut in the groin,
and some light anaesthetic. Parents or guardians must always remember to
sign a form of consent for these in-patient tests, as well as for any
operations. These tests do not require a long stay in hospital; it is usual for
the child to go home the next day. Parents should tell children in general
terms, what is going to happen to them in hospital, and the hospital doctors
should be left to tell them more exactly if they want to know.