Blood Clotting
Patients with a single ventricle may have abnormalities in blood clotting that may predispose them to abnormal clot formation or bleeding. If indicated, tests for blood components and clotting will be performed.
Kidney Function Blood Tests
Undergoing multiple open-heart surgeries is a known risk factor for kidney damage.
- BUN and creatinine levels
Blood tests of urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels are often done to assess how well the kidneys are working.
- Serum Vitamin D and PTH
Reduced exercise capacity, delayed onset of puberty, and liver abnormalitiesmay cause Fontan patients to have weak bones and musclesand vitamin D deficiency. The clinic will check blood levels of vitaminD and recommend vitamin D supplementation, as necessary.
Loss of Protein
One of the most concerning complications of the Fontan operation is excessive loss of protein from the gut, known as Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE). A screening test for protein loss in the stool may be performed.