What is an Agitated Saline Bubble Study (ASBS)?
An ASBS is a test performed using echocardiogram to detect openings between the right and left atrium of the heart. These are called patent foramen ovale (PFO) and usually close at birth. The PFO is a normal flap valve opening in the atrial septal wall of the heart and in about 25% of people it remains open after birth and may allow blood flow to cross from the right atrium to the left atrium.
How is the ASBA test performed?
You should take all your prescribed medications and eat and drink as normal. A cardiac sonographer or your cardiologist will explain the test to you and any questions you may have on. You will be required to undress to the waist and then to lie on a bed. A gown will be provided. If you haven’t already had a resting echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) performed, you will have one now. The ASBS test will start with insertion of an intravenous cannula into your arm. A small sample of you blood will be mixed with a saline solution (sterile salty water) and injected through the cannula. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during the test. The injections of the blood and saline mix may be repeated several times.
Are there any risks associated with the test?
There are often risks associated with medical procedures and this test is no different. There are very minor risks associated with the cannular insertion, e.g., bruising, bleeding and very rarely infection. The test itself is very safe with very few reports of serious complications. The major risk, albeit very rare, is a TIA or stroke. We modify our test to significantly reduce the risk of this occurring by mixing blood with the saline and limiting the agitated air sample to 1mL.
How long will it take?
The procedure may last up to 40 minutes but is usually much shorter.
When does my doctor get the results?
Your referring Doctor will receive the results in 1-2 working days. If you wish for an additional copy of the results to be sent to another Doctor/s involved in your care, please inform the admin staff.
If you have any questions, please ask the staff on the day of your test or contact The Heart Centre.
