Routine Lab Testing
Testing Information
Laboratory and screening tests help to confirm or reject clinical impression of a healthcare provider.
Blood
Hemoglobin is routinely tested at the 12 month check-up, when children are at increased risk of iron deficiency. Complete blood counts may be performed as deemed necessary by the providers. These give a good indication of cell growth and function.
Cultures
A culture is the best method for identifying specific germs. Cultures can be performed on specimens from skin, throat, eye, ear, nose, genitalia, and urine or stool.
Hearing Screenings
Hearing screenings are routinely done at 3 year and 5 year checkups, as soon as your child is mature enough to cooperate with the tester. Once your child has had a "normal" test, we need only repeat the test when specifically indicated, such as for repeated ear infections, presence of fluid in the middle ear, or your observation that your child does not seem to hear well.
Strep Tests
Strep tests can confirm the presence of Group A Beta Strep within 10 minutes. This test is 97% accurate. If a negative result is obtained, a follow-up culture is performed from the same swab. In order that we do not inappropriately treat your child, antibiotics will not be given for a sore throat without a positive Strep test or culture.
Urine Tests
A urinalysis is the simplest way to evaluate the function and health of the kidneys. While there is no reason to check a routine urinalysis on a child, one will be obtained for suspicious symptoms such as burning or pain upon urination or back pain. A urine culture is also performed to confirm infection and to determine appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Vision Screenings
Vision screenings are routinely done at the 3 and 5 year old checkups. We are screening for visual acuity, near sightedness, and far sightedness. If there is an indication of a problem the child will be referred to an eye specialist for a complete exam.
