Other Common Tests

Abdominal x-ray (AXR)

Abdominal x-rays are pictures that look at the stomach and intestines. The x-ray lets the doctor see how well food moves through the intestines, or if there is something wrong with the intestines, like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Arterial blood gas (ABG) / venous blood gas (VBG) / capillary blood gas (CBG)

A blood sample is taken from an artery, vein or the capillary bed to measure the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. The acidity (or pH) of the blood is also measured.

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)

BNP is a substance that comes from the lower chambers of the heart. It helps the doctor know more about how the heart is functioning.

Chest x-ray (CXR)

Chest Radiographs, or x-rays, look at the heart and lungs. Changes in the normal structure of the heart, lungs, lung vessels and bones can be because of disease or other conditions.

Complete blood count (CBC)

This test measures the size, number and age of different cells in the blood. Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen through the bloodstream to the organs and cells of the body. If you don’t have enough red blood cells, you have anemia. White blood cells are infection fighting cells; looking at these cells gives clues about inflammation or infection. Platelets help the blood clot (stop bleeding).

Echocardiogram (echo)

An echocardiogram is a special ultrasound used by a pediatric heart doctor (cardiologist) to look closely at your baby’s heart and surrounding blood vessels.

Electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG)

A quick, painless test that records the electrical activity of the heart. Small stickers called electrodes are put on different parts of the body. This test uses a machine to diagnose abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias) of the heart. It also checks to see if the heart is getting enough blood and if any parts of the heart are thicker than they should be. Doctors study the shape and size of the waves, the time between waves and the rate and regularity.

Electrolytes (chemistry)

This test measures minerals in the bloods, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Minerals are very important for the proper function of organs. The heart medicines called diuretics, also called "water pills", can cause problems with electrolyte levels. Potassium and calcium levels are very important for healthy heart function.

Lactate

A lactate level is part of a blood gas. It helps find acid levels caused by shock or heart failure. A normal lactate is less than 2.

Upper gastrointestinal series (UGI)

An UGI is a special series of x-rays to look at the organs in the upper part of your child’s digestive system. These organs include the esophagus, stomach and the first section of the small intestine (duodenum). For this test, your child will drink a metallic liquid that coats the inside of the organs called barium. This helps the organs show up on x-ray.

Gastric emptying/milk/achalasia scan

This test will show if your child’s stomach contents empty into his or her small intestine the right way. Delayed gastric emptying can cause reflux and feeding problems.

Video swallow study (VSS)

A video swallow study checks to see that milk is safely moving from the mouth into the esophagus and stomach and not spilling into the lungs. These video pictures will be taken in the Radiology department.