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The blood test is a very common test, which is performed without many problems in both children and adults. Pediatricians in general try to avoid tests for the child that may be annoying or that may cause a 'trauma' to the child or the parents, and we only request them when we believe that the information that you are going to provide us cannot be obtained from any other shape, and that the advantages of doing it outweigh the disadvantages.
- Blood count analyzes the three main types of blood cells: white cells (leukocytes), red cells (red blood cells) and cells that assist in coagulation (platelets).
- Proteins (ferritin, immunoglobulins, albumin, transaminases, etc).
- Hormones (thyroid function, cortisol, sex hormones, etc).
- Coagulation (prothrombin time, cephalin time, fibrinogen).
- Renal (kidney) function, measuring creatinine, urea or blood ions (sodium, potassium, chlorine, calcium ...).
- Liver function (from the liver), through the levels of transaminases (AST and ALT), bilirubin and GGT, among others.
- The lipid profile, which analyzes the blood concentration of the main lipids (fats): cholesterol (total, HDL and LDL) and triglycerides.
- Elevation of ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CRP (C-reactive protein) or PCT (procalcitonin) suggests the existence of an inflammatory or infectious process, although it is not specific to any disease.
The blood test looks at what the doctor asks for. That is, depending on the patient's problem, the doctor will request some tests or others. Even more complete analyzes may be requested depending on the results if necessary.
Generally, the analysis will be performed on an empty stomach, but it is not always necessary. It is convenient that we ask the pediatrician if fasting is essential, since certain children tolerate it very badly, and if it is not strictly necessary we can avoid it. On the other hand, to study, for example, lipid metabolism (that is, cholesterol), fasting will be 12 hours.
When should children have blood tests? At this time, there is no recommendation for routine blood tests within the well-child monitoring program. In healthy children, without chronic diseases and who do not have a family history of hereditary diseases, blood tests are not indicated to check the health status.
If there is a family history of genetic diseases, an analysis may be indicated, for example in the case of familial hypercholesterolemia an analysis is performed on the child around 8-10 years of age. In other genetic diseases, the study of the gene is the only way to make the diagnosis, therefore blood tests must be performed.
In children with certain chronic diseases (diabetes, celiac disease, kidney disease, etc.) It is necessary to perform routine or periodic blood tests to see the evolution of the disease or its possible complications, or possible effects of the medications they have to take.
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