Pediatric Laboratory Testing & Screening

Laboratory testing can provide valuable information about your child’s health and help pediatricians diagnose illnesses, monitor certain conditions, and determine the appropriate next steps in care.

At Sawgrass Pediatrics, our pediatric team may recommend laboratory testing or health screenings based on your child’s symptoms, medical history, age, risk factors, or findings during an examination. Our goal is to make the evaluation process as convenient and comfortable as possible for children and their families.

Pediatric Laboratory Services

Depending on your child’s individual needs, laboratory testing may be used to evaluate a wide range of common pediatric health concerns.

Testing and screening may include:

• Strep testing
• Influenza testing
• RSV testing
• COVID-19 testing
• Mononucleosis testing
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Urinalysis
• Blood glucose testing
• Cholesterol and lipid screening
• Hemoglobin and anemia screening
• Tuberculosis screening
• Lead screening

Not every child requires the same tests. Your pediatrician will determine which laboratory services are appropriate based on your child’s symptoms, health history, and individual risk factors.

Why Are Laboratory Tests Used in Pediatric Care?

Many childhood illnesses can cause similar symptoms. Fever, fatigue, sore throat, abdominal discomfort, changes in appetite, or urinary symptoms may have several possible causes.

Laboratory testing can provide additional information that helps your pediatrician better understand what may be causing your child’s symptoms.

Testing may assist with the evaluation of conditions such as:

• Strep throat
• Influenza and other viral illnesses
• Respiratory infections
• Mononucleosis
• Urinary tract infections
• Anemia
• Blood sugar abnormalities
• Cholesterol concerns
• Tuberculosis exposure
• Lead exposure

When appropriate, test results can help guide recommendations for treatment, additional testing, follow-up care, or referral to another healthcare professional.

Preventive Screening for Children and Adolescents

Laboratory testing is not limited to sick visits. Certain screenings may also be recommended as part of your child’s preventive healthcare.

Depending on your child’s age, family history, lifestyle, and individual risk factors, your pediatrician may recommend screening for conditions such as high cholesterol, anemia, lead exposure, or abnormal blood sugar levels.

These screenings can help identify potential health concerns before they begin causing noticeable symptoms.

Regular pediatric visits also give parents an opportunity to discuss their child’s growth, nutrition, development, activity levels, sleep, and other areas that may influence overall health.

What to Expect When Your Child Needs Laboratory Testing

If your pediatrician recommends a laboratory test, the type of sample required will depend on what is being evaluated.

Testing may involve:

• A throat or nasal swab
• A urine sample
• A finger-prick blood sample
• A traditional blood draw
• A skin test for tuberculosis screening

Our team understands that testing can sometimes make children nervous. Parents can help by remaining calm, explaining the process in simple age-appropriate language, and reassuring their child that the test is designed to help their pediatrician understand how to best care for them.

Understanding Your Child’s Results

Laboratory results are interpreted alongside your child’s symptoms, physical examination, medical history, and other relevant information.

An abnormal laboratory result does not always mean that a child has a serious medical condition. Likewise, certain illnesses may require additional evaluation even when an initial test is normal.

Your Sawgrass Pediatrics provider can review the results with you, explain what they may mean, and discuss whether treatment, monitoring, additional testing, or follow-up care is recommended.

Pediatric Laboratory Testing in Coral Springs, Parkland & Boca Raton

Sawgrass Pediatrics provides comprehensive pediatric care for children from birth through age 18 at locations serving families throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties. The practice currently lists offices in Coral Springs, Parkland, and Boca Raton.

If your child is experiencing symptoms or your pediatrician has recommended laboratory screening, our team can help determine the appropriate next steps.

Request an appointment with Sawgrass Pediatrics for pediatric laboratory testing, screening, and comprehensive medical care.