What is a bubble test cardiac?

A bubble test, also known as a bubble echocardiogram or contrast echocardiography, is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to assess the heart's function and detect abnormal connections between the heart's chambers. During the test, saline mixed with air bubbles is injected into a vein, and an ultrasound is used to visualize how the bubbles travel through the heart. If the bubbles cross into the left atrium from the right atrium, it may indicate a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or other structural heart defects. This test is often used to evaluate unexplained strokes or other cardiovascular issues.