Medical or laboratory tests
Understanding your child’s medical or laboratory test
What are medical and laboratory tests?
- Medical tests include x-rays, MRIs and CT scans
- Lab tests include blood tests and urine samples
Questions to ask about medical and lab tests
- Why your child needs a test
- Which test(s) will be done
- How to prepare your child for the test
- If you can be with your child during the test
Are there any risks with medical or lab tests?
- X-rays and CT scans use radiation. Some patients have received too much radiation.
- MRIs use strong magnets. Metal objects accidentally pulled into the MRI machine have injured some patients.
- Ask the staff what has been done to make sure your child is safe during the test.
What should you do if your child is having a blood test or other lab test?
- Ask to see the label on the container that holds your child’s sample. The label should have your child’s name and birth date, or another piece of information.
- See that the container is immediately sealed.
What should you do if your child is having an x-ray, MRI or CT scan?
- Ask if your child will be given a contrast agent. This is a liquid that makes organs and blood vessels easy to see on x-rays and other tests. Tell the staff if your child has had problems with contrast agents before.
- Immediately tell the staff if your child begins to itch or have trouble breathing after receiving a contrast agent.