Common Laboratory Tests
Laboratory tests are commonly performed as part of routine physical examinations. Perhaps the most common laboratory blood test is a complete blood count or CBC. Some of the other common laboratory tests which may show metabolic irregularities, organ or gland function, incipient or progressing disease processes, traumatic conditions or levels of prescribed medications may include tests for:
- Sugar in the blood
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH
- Lipid levels for high cholesterol
- Other abnormal enzymes and proteins
- Levels of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium
- Waste products in the blood
- Levels of anticoagulants or other medications in the blood
Common Pediatric Blood Tests
Infants and children have some special laboratory needs. They are more prone to certain kinds of infections than adults and, since they have a tendency to eat inappropriate material, are more susceptible to certain types of poisoning. Some common pediatric laboratory tests for children and infants may include:
- Complete blood count, or CBC
- Tests of electrolyte level
- Blood cultures to test whether infections have become systemic
- Tests for lead poisoning
- Liver function tests to check for organ damage or possible mononucleosis or hepatitis
- Genetic testing to detect the presence and cause of a congenital defect
