Pediatric Hematology Testing & Diagnosis
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.
Pruebas para detectar trastornos y enfermedades de la sangre
Accidente cerebrovascular
Existen análisis de sangre para diagnosticar la anemia en los niños. Si el primer análisis de su hijo muestra un recuento bajo de glóbulos rojos, su médico le pedirá más exámenes para determinar el tipo de anemia. El tratamiento dependerá del tipo de anemia que tenga su hijo.
En University Health se puede realizar un análisis de sangre para detectar anemia hemolítica. Puede ayudar a diagnosticar las causas genéticas de esta enfermedad.
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.
Ecografía musculoesquelética
La ecografía musculoesquelética le permite a tu médico examinar las articulaciones de tu hijo para detectar una hemorragia articular y otros problemas relacionados con la hemofilia. Unos cuantos centros de tratamiento de la hemofilia en todo el país cuentan con este ecógrafo. Uno de ellos es el Centro Pediátrico de Hematología y Oncología de University Health, ubicado en el Hospital de Mujeres y Niños.
Pruebas de recuperación del factor de reposición
Los niños con hemofilia necesitan una terapia de reemplazo de factores para prevenir las hemorragias antes de que se produzcan. Cada niño necesita dosis diferentes del factor de reemplazo. Esta prueba evalúa el nivel de su hijo para determinar qué dosis necesita y con qué frecuencia debe tomarla. Las pruebas de recuperación del factor de reemplazo requieren un conjunto de habilidades muy específicas. University Health es uno de los pocos sistemas de salud del país en los que se ofrece este examen.
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.
How to Prepare for an Appointment
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.
