Who should perform brainstem death testing in children? What modifications should be made to brainstem death testing in children aged between 37 weeks of gestation and two months of age?

  • The same recommendations exist as for those performing testing in adults
  • In addition:
    • One doctor should be a paediatrician or should have experience with children
    • One doctor should not be primarily involved in the child’s care
  • The following precautionary measure should be considered regarding the apnoea test:
    • A stronger hypercarbic stimulus is used to establish respiratory unresponsiveness
    • There should be a clear rise in the arterial blood PaCO2 of >2.7 kPa above a baseline of at least 5.3 kPa (40 mm Hg) to >8.0 kPa with no respiratory response
RCPCH Guidance

D