Diagnostics and laboratory

An allergy test may be necessary to check for immediate allergic reactions to determine if a symptom of concern is caused by an allergy. Understanding your child’s exact allergies helps our physicians create the best allergy treatment plan.

If your child has asthma symptoms, our board-certified pulmonologists may use a variety of tests, as well as a physical examination and your child’s medical history, to determine if asthma is present.

To diagnose asthma, our specialists may use the following tests:

• Spirometry — A simple, common pulmonary function test that may be necessary for any or all of the following reasons:
  • To determine how well the lungs receive, hold and use air
  • To monitor lung disease
  • To monitor the effectiveness of a treatment
  • To determine the severity of a lung disease
  • To determine whether the lung disease is restrictive (decreased airflow) or obstructive (disruption of airflow)
• Peak flow monitoring (PFM) — A device that measures the fastest speed of air leaving the lungs, which can be helpful in detecting asthma or another respiratory flare-up
• Blood tests — Ana the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood.

Some blood disorders are genetic, while others have unknown causes. Because of the role genetics can play, your pediatric hematologist will take a complete family and medical history to help diagnose your child’s disorder.

Your doctor will also perform a physical exam, and he or she may order one or more of the following tests to diagnose your child’s blood disorder and to create a treatment plan:

• Bleeding times — A test performed by making two small cuts on the arm and observing them to see how long the bleeding lasts
• Bone marrow aspiration and/or biopsy — A procedure that examines the number, size and maturity of blood cells by removing bone marrow fluid (aspiration) and/or solid bone marrow tissue (called a core biopsy), often from the hips
• Complete blood count (CBC) — A blood test that measures size, number and maturity of different blood cells
• Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan — An imaging test which uses X-rays and computer technology to show detailed images of the abdomen, chest and pelvis
• Hemoglobin electrophoresis with A2 and F quantitation — A lab test that shows the different types of hemoglobin, a protein in blood cells that transports oxygen, present in the blood
• FEP (free-erythrocyte protoporphyrin) and ferritin — A test to evaluate the amount of iron and lead levels in the blood
• Liver biopsy — A procedure in which a small amount of tissue or cells is removed from the liver for examination
• Lymph node biopsy — A procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the lymph node for examination
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — A procedure that creates a detailed image of the inside of the body using magnets, radiofrequencies and computer technology
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan — A procedure in which a special sugar is injected into the blood to help physicians identify small tumors or see how a tumor is responding to treatment
• Spinal tap/lumbar puncture — A procedure performed to measure the pressure in the spinal canal and brain
• Transferrin saturation (TS) test — A blood test that measures the percentage of transferrin and other iron-binding proteins saturated with iron
• Ultrasound (sonography) — A test that uses sound waves and computer technology to create pictures of the organs, tissues and blood vessels
• X-ray — A test that uses electromagnetic energy beams to create images of organs, bones and internal tissue

Our pediatric pulmonary care specialists offer testing for breathing disorders to determine the type of care your child may need. These tests help to evaluate lung function, locate an infection, offer a potential diagnosis and more.

Our gastroenterologists work with you and your child to address potential digestive system illnesses. At our hospital, we offer a variety of tests that focus solely on evaluating pediatric gastrointestinal health to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans to ensure your child receives the best possible care.

If your child’s nephrology specialist suspects a kidney disease or problem is present, he or she will perform a physical exam and comprehensive medical history evaluation. Additionally, the doctor may order diagnostic kidney tests to help confirm a diagnosis.