Understanding Lab Values
Trying to figure out what different lab values mean can be challenging. We hope that these articles will help you understand different types of tests. If you have questions don't hesitate to call.
Anemia: Low Hemoglobin
We screen all of our patients for anemia (low red blood cell count) at 12 months of age. High risk children (such as those who are symptomatic, have a poor diet, or a history of prematurity) will be screened at additional times. Read more...
Bone Age
If your child has a bone age done, read this to help understand what the numbers mean.
A bone age can help us predict how long a child will continue to grow. For more information on this, please see Dr Stuppy's blog: What is Bone Age?
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is found in the body from two sources: cholesterol we eat, and cholesterol our liver makes. Dietary cholesterol comes from meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products. Plants contain no cholesterol. Read more...
Cultures
Cultures can be done from many sources: blood, urine, pus, skin, nail, stool, and throat swab. Cultures are performed to identify a treatable source of fever and other symptoms, or to choose the best treatment for a known infection. Read more...
Hemoglobin A1c
If you or your child has had blood work done for diabetes screening or monitoring, you may have heard of something called Hemoglobin A1c, or HbA1c. Read more...
Iron and Ferritin
Iron levels are checked in various ways. Read more...
Lead
It is recommended to screen all children for lead poisoning risks at routine intervals. We order testing with the one year labs because children do not show symptoms with low (but at risk) levels. Read more...
Liver Function Tests
We are finding that liver function is affected by childhood obesity, increasing lifetime risks. Read more...
Sexually Transmitted Infections
It is recommended for annual chlamydia and gonorrhea testing in all sexually active women under 24 years. It is also recommended to test males who have sex with males at least annually. Read more...
Thyroid Tests
Your thyroid is a bow-tie shaped gland that sits low in your neck. It produces hormones that help your body with metabolism. Read more...
Tuberculosis (TB) Screening and Testing
Tuberculosis screening is recommended every 6 months for the first two years of life, followed by yearly for the remainder of life. Follow up testing is recommended for those found to be at risk. Read more...
Vitamin D
