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What is a PCG/Sleep Study
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What is a pneumocardiogram?
A pneumocardiogram is an overnight recording of breathing effort,
heart rate, oxygen level, and air flow to the lungs during
sleep.
It is also called a cardiorespiratory scan, CR scan,
pneumocardiogram, or PCG, it can be done in a hospital or at
home. Your child may also need a PH recording, done in a
hospital, to measure how often stomach acid comes up into
the esophagus.
The doctor will decide what needs to be recorded to help in
the treatment of your child. A written log of what happens
during the recording also provides the doctor with useful
information.
How is the recording done?
A respiratory care practitioner (RCP) will bring the
pneumocardiogram equipment and attach the sensors to your child.
The breathing and heart rate are recorded by two or three
sticky electrodes placed on the chest. The oxygen level is
measured by a sensor taped to your child's finger or toe.
For small infants it may be taped on the hand or foot.
Airflow is recorded from a sensor taped under the nose.
To record in the hospital, a RCP will set up the equipment,
monitor throughout the night, and remove the sensors in the
morning. The RCP and nurse will write details in the log. If
your child also needs a pH recording, it may be done along
with thepneumocardiogram, or at a different time. For this, a
small flexible tube will be passed through the nose into the
esophagus (tube going to the stomach).
What do I need to do?
Feed and care for your child as usual during the recording.
At home you will need to write in the log any changes in your
child activity, such as diaper changes, feedings, crying,
coughing, or other events. Be sure to include any monitor
alarms that may occur during the recording. Let your child
sleep as much as possible: this gives the most accurate
results.
When will I get the results?
The recording information will be sent to the Neonatologist.
The information will be analyzed and results sent that day
to your child's doctor who will explain them to you.
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