Get complete testing and diagnostic services at University Health to find out what your child’s symptoms mean. Pinpointing the problem makes it easier to choose the best treatment plan for your child.
Studying Your Child’s Blood
Your pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric hematologist for care of a blood condition. They will do specialized tests, diagnose and treat your child. Your child can get care from us at any age, including after unusual blood test results at birth.
Special tests show what’s happening with your child’s blood cells. Some blood disorders and diseases require blood tests as well as imaging and radiology tests. Different tests look for specific problems and can help explain why your child doesn’t feel good.
Expert doctors analyze blood test results like detectives. They seek clues to find what is making your child sick.
Tests for Blood Disorders & Diseases
Anemia
There are blood tests to diagnose anemia in children. If your child's first test shows low red blood cell counts, your doctor will order more tests to find the type of anemia. Treatment will depend on the kind of anemia your child has.
A hemolytic anemia blood test is available at University Health. It can help diagnose the genetic causes of this disease.
Genetic Testing
Your child’s symptoms may point to a gene problem. In that case, we may do genetic tests. Genetic testing looks for changes in your child’s DNA that could cause their symptoms. Genetic counselors will explain what the test results mean.
Genetic tests can explain your child's symptoms. They can also help your doctor choose the best treatment. Expect our team to guide you through each step and answer your questions.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Musculoskeletal ultrasound lets your doctor check your child’s joints for a joint bleed and other hemophilia-related problems. A few hemophilia treatment centers nationwide have this ultrasound. One is University Health’s Pediatric Blood & Cancer Center at Women's & Children's Hospital.
Replacement Factor Recovery Testing
Children with hemophilia need factor replacement therapy to prevent bleeding before it starts. Each child needs different replacement factor doses. This testing checks your child’s level to see what dose they need and how often they need it. Replacement factor recovery testing requires a very specific skill set. University Health is one of a few health systems in the country where you’ll find this test.
Sickle Cell Stroke Screening
If your child is age 2 to 16 and has sickle cell disease, doctors recommend a yearly test to check for stroke risk. A sickle cell stroke screening, a Transcranial Doppler ultrasound, is a simple, painless brain scan.
The test identifies whether your child is at a higher risk of having a stroke. The screening measures how fast blood moves through the brain's blood vessels. It can also detect narrowed blood vessels where sickle-shaped cells might get stuck, causing a stroke.
Keep a log of your child’s symptoms and a list of medications, including supplements. Bring the list to the appointment. Your child’s hematologist will ask about their symptoms.
Prepare your child for a blood draw because it’s common for doctors to order tests at appointments.