Final answer:
The PDA test is a medical procedure to see if a newborn's ductus arteriosus has properly closed post-birth. Cardiac echocardiography is the primary diagnostic tool used, sometimes accompanied by cardiac catheterization for both diagnosis and potential treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus) test is a medical procedure that is performed to determine if the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel in a newborn's heart, has closed properly after birth. If the ductus arteriosus remains open (a condition known as patent ductus arteriosus or PDA), it can lead to serious health issues. Cardiac echocardiography (often referred to as an echo) is the primary test used to diagnose PDA. The process involves using sound waves to create images of the heart which allows the doctor to observe the blood flow through the heart and detect any abnormal patterns. Moreover, a cardiac catheterization, which involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel to reach the heart, may be used for both diagnosis and treatment.
During an echo, the patient will typically lie on a table, and a technician will apply a gel to the chest area to help sound waves travel. The technician then uses a transducer to send and receive sound waves, producing an image on a screen that the cardiologist will interpret. If a PDA is found, treatment options may include monitoring, medications, or procedures like catheter-based techniques or surgery to close the ductus arteriosus.