Diagnostic Testing Specialist

What is diagnostic testing?

The providers at Kids and Tummies are specially trained to perform diagnostic testing for your child’s digestive system, using a number of tests and procedures.

The practice uses state-of-the-art instruments to see the inside of your child’s digestive tract and to examine tissue samples with biopsies. Diagnostic testing provides a deeper look into the cause of your child’s symptoms.

When you visit the practice, your provider gives your child a physical exam, asks about current symptoms, and learns about your child’s medical history. They order diagnostic testing to rule out or confirm potential causes for the symptoms.

What are common diagnostic tests?

The team at Kids and Tummies may perform or recommend many different diagnostic tests for children to provide insight into numerous GI conditions.

These tests include, but are not limited to:

• Breath hydrogen test
• Capsule endoscopy
• Upper endoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Rectal suction biopsy

The team may also recommend imaging tests that need to be performed at a hospital or imaging center, such as a barium swallow, X-rays, upper GI series, CT scan, MRI, swallowing function tests, or nuclear medicine tests. They talk with you about the best test to use for identifying the problem so they can provide the right treatment to help your child feel better.

What symptoms might require diagnostic testing?

If your child has any of the following symptoms, they might need diagnostic testing:

• Chronic vomiting
• Chronic diarrhea
• Blood in their vomit or stools
• Chronic constipation
• Chronic abdominal pain
• Poor growth
• Trouble swallowing

You should schedule an appointment with your provider as soon as possible if your child has any of the above symptoms. The expert team at Kids and Tummies can determine what the issue is and get them the treatment and care they need.

When should your child get diagnostic testing?

After your child’s exam, your provider decides if your child should have a diagnostic test. In some cases, your child might begin medical treatment or nutritional management before your provider orders tests. If your child has a serious condition that calls for immediate testing, then they talk with you about what type of tests are necessary.

If your child needs testing, you’re given instructions on how to prepare for the test. Preparation depends on what type of test your child needs. The team gives you thorough instructions on what to do beforehand, including whether your child must stop eating or drinking before the test, or any medications they need to take ahead of time.

If your child has concerning gastrointestinal symptoms that may require diagnostic testing, call Kids and Tummies to schedule an appointment or use the online booking tool.