Tests

The tests your health care team orders for your child will depend on the condition they think your child might have. See the information below about a range of tests. There is also a section specifically about childhood cancer tests. 

Boy lying on a bed having a polysomnogram (sleep study)

© KidsHealth. 

Lumbar Puncture

Doctors will usually arrange a lumbar puncture to find out if your child has an infection of the lining or the fluid around their brain. A doctor inserts a needle in the lower back to get a sample of the fluid that moves around the brain and spine.

Micturating Cysto-Urethrogram (MCU)

A micturating cysto-urethrogram (MCU) is an x-ray test of the bladder as it fills and empties.

Nuclear Medicine Kidney Scans

Nuclear medicine kidney scans check on kidney size, function and signs of kidney scarring which may be caused by repeated urinary tract infections.

Overnight Oximetry

An oximetry test measures the amount of oxygen in the blood and can be used to assess your child's breathing during sleep. 

Polysomnography Sleep Test

Polysomnography (PSG) is a special type of sleep test which provides the most detailed information about breathing problems during sleep.

Renal Biopsy

A renal biopsy is a test to help decide what is wrong with your child's kidney. It involves taking a tiny sample of your child's kidney. 

Renal Ultrasound

Ultrasound is very useful for looking at soft parts of the body such as the kidneys and bladder.

Sweat Test

The doctor wants your child to have a sweat test to find out if they have a condition called cystic fibrosis.

Urine Tests

Testing a sample of your child's urine (wee) is the only way to know for sure if they have a UTI (urinary tract infection).