Diagnostic Tests

Articles In This Section

• Blood Test: Uric Acid

  Doctors may order this test if they suspect high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. Some kids with leukemia or other types of cancer can have high levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia).

• Ultrasound: Abdomen

  Doctors order abdominal ultrasounds when they're concerned about symptoms such as abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, abnormal liver or kidney function tests, or a swollen belly.

• Biopsy

  Doctors order biopsies to examine tissue or cells when they're concerned about a problem (such as an infection, inflammation, or cancer) in an organ.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Brain

  A brain MRI, a safe and painless test that produces detailed images of the brain and the brain stem, can help detect cysts, tumors, bleeding, and other problems.

• CAT Scan: Neck

  A neck CAT scan can detect signs of disease in the throat and surrounding areas. Doctors may order one to detect abscesses, birth defects, cysts, or tumors.

• CAT Scan: Head

  A head CAT scan is a painless test that uses a special X-ray machine to take pictures of a patient's brain, skull, and sinuses, as well as blood vessels in the head. It might be done to check for any number of conditions.

• Blood Test: Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)

  A partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test is used to evaluate blood's ability to clot. It may be done as part of an evaluation for a bleeding disorder or to monitor the effects of blood-thinning medication.

• Blood Test: Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)

  Lactate dehydrogenase (also called lactic acid dehydrogenase, or LDH) is an enzyme found in almost all body tissues. The LDH test is generally used to screen for tissue damage.

• Blood Test: Phosphorus

  Doctors may order a phosphorus blood test to help diagnose or monitor kidney disorders, gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders, calcium and bone problems, or other conditions.

• Blood Test: Magnesium

  Doctors do this test to assess blood levels of magnesium, which helps the muscles and nerves function, the heart maintain normal rhythm, the bones stay strong, and the body process energy and make proteins.

• Blood Test: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

  An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test (ESR) detects inflammation that may be caused by infection, some cancers, and certain autoimmune diseases.

• Blood Test: Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST, or SGOT)

  An aspartate aminotransferase (AST) blood test is often part of an initial screening for liver disease.

• Blood Test: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

  A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) blood test helps evaluate kidney and liver function, sugar (glucose) and protein levels in the blood, and electrolyte and fluid balance.

• Blood Test: Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

  A basic metabolic panel (BMP), commonly ordered as part of routine medical exam, is a set of blood tests that gives information about sugar (glucose) and calcium levels, kidney function, and electrolyte and fluid balance.

• CAT Scan: Chest

  A chest CAT scan is a painless test that uses a special X-ray machine to take black-and-white pictures of a patient's lungs, heart, blood vessels, airway passages, ribs and lymph nodes.

• CAT Scan: Abdomen

  An abdominal CAT scan can detect inflammation, infection, injury or disease in the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, stomach, bowel, pancreas, adrenal glands, blood vessels, and lymph nodes.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe and painless test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the body's organs and structures.

• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)

  If your child is scheduled to have a lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap, read about how this test is performed and when you can expect the results.

• Blood Test: Complete Blood Count

  The complete blood count (CBC) is the most common blood test. It analyzes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

• A Directory of Medical Tests

  Sometimes, doctors need to order tests to evaluate a child's health or to understand what's causing an illness. Here are some common ones.