Investigations in

Paediatrics
Dr. A Sekitoleko MBChB, M.Med (Fam)
Laboratory tests
• Hematology
-microscopy, FBC, Blood gp, ESR,
CRP, electrophoresis, coagulation
studies, Coombs test
• Microbiology
-Culture & Sensitivity (Blood,
Sputum, Pus etc.),
- Microscopy… Gram stain, L.J
stain, urine and stool analysis
• Blood Chemistry
-LFTs, RFTs, TFTs, blood sugar
• Immunology
-CD4, C & E antigens Hep B
• PCR-Virology-VL HIV, Hep B;
resistance testing,
• Toxicology and drug level testing
• DNA-Genetic testing-Lactose
intolerance
Full blood count
Radiology 1
• Xray
-Plain: skull, long bones, spine,
chest, abdomen, pelvis etc.
-Contrast studies: mainly GIT-
barium studies; and urinary tract
-Child’s co-operation?
-Radiation???
-comparison with other side may be
helpful
• Ultrasound
-uses high pitch sound waves-safe
-Colour Doppler studies, Echo
-useful for soft tissue assessment
-Cranial Dopplers in the new born
-abdominal organs
-body swellings
-Not good for bone and air filled
spaces
Radiology 2

• CT Scan • MRI
-gives finer details especially on -Mostly for spinal cord and brain
hard structures -Good for joints and surrounding
-not very good with soft tissues structures
such as the spinal cord -uses magnetic fields so can’t be
-good for the brain use on children with metallic
-Tumours implants or objects in the body.
-High radiation, requires child’s co- -High Cost
orperation
-High cost
Other tests

• ECG
• EEG
• Lung function tests, PEFV1
• Autorefraction
• Pulse oximetry
• Endoscopy
• Laparascopy
• Angiography