Medical Tests To Diagnose Diseases and Conditions In Children – Part 1
There are a wide variety of medical tests that can help diagnose diseases and conditions in children. These include scans (CT, MRI, nuclear), echocardiography, ultrasounds, X ray, and scans of bone, kidney, lung, thyroid, and urinary bladder.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography, or CAT scan)
CT scans provide many cross-sectional images of the body by using special X rays and computer enhancement to create an image that is much more sensitive than a simple X ray. After x-raying the body from many angles, the X rays are then analyzed by a computer to provide a picture of the body that can be viewed on a monitor or printed out as a photograph. The images show a composite slice of the body (usually the head, chest, or abdomen). In this procedure, a child lies flat on a movable table that moves into the center of the CT scanner.
As the child remains still, X rays are beamed into the body. If the child cannot remain still, sedatives are administered. Sometimes a dye or other contrast material is injected to better reveal blood vessels. Results are interpreted by radiologists and then reported to the child’s doctor, who will analyze and interpret them for the parents.
Echocardiography
This procedure uses a special device to detect the sound that is reflected from a beating heart. Sometimes called “diagnostic cardiac ultrasound,” this test uses reflected sound waves to show if a child has congenital heart defects, fluid around the heart, valve disorders, or weakened heart muscles. It is possible to actually see the heart move as the images are projected on a monitor. The direction of blood flow into and out of the heart can be seen in different colors on the monitor.
In this procedure, a child lies on his back, tilted slightly to the side. A special jelly is applied to the skin on the area of the heart, and the transducer is positioned over the heart. As sound waves are reflected back to the transducer, an image becomes visible on a monitor that can be turned into printouts from the screen. This test produces no radiation and the child experiences no discomfort. Although images are produced immediately, they must be interpreted by a cardiologist and sent to the child’s doctor, who will interpret them for the parents.