Children's Preventive Healthcare

Basic laboratory tests can assess a child's general health, the function of the thyroid, kidneys and liver, the risk of developing metabolic diseases, vitamin D and iron deficiencies, and inflammation. Measuring nutrients such as iron and vitamin D is important when symptoms indicate abnormal levels, and for children at risk of deficiency, such as those on elimination diets.

The following tests can help detect any abnormalities and allow timely intervention or confirm that the child is healthy and developing properly.

The package includes:

• Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) - test to detect thyroid disorders;
• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT/GPT) - test to assess liver function;
• Fasting iron - helps detect anaemia as iron deficiency can lead to anaemia;
• Fasting blood glucose - test to detect diabetes and pre-diabetes condition;
• Urinalysis - provides essential information about the function of the urinary system and indirectly the function of other organs;
• Complete blood count - provides information on deficiencies of specific parameters related to anaemia, weakened immunity, allergies, inflammation and infections; can be used to identify cases requiring further diagnosis;
• Creatinine - one of the main indicators of kidney function;
• Vitamin D-25(OH)D - essential for proper body function; a key marker of calcium-phosphate metabolism disorders;
• Ferritin - a protein involved in iron storage and used in haemoglobin synthesis; the best indicator of iron deficiency;
• C-reactive protein (CRP), quantitative - test used to detect the presence of inflammation in the body.

Who is it for?

A package of tests for children and teenagers aged 3 to 17.

Preparation for the test

You should report to the sample collection point with your child in the morning with a properly collected urine sample. The child should be fasting (in the case of the youngest children, a 3-hour break since the last digestible meal, and in older children at least 8 hours). To facilitate the procedure, it is recommended to give the child at least half a glass of water to drink (up to a glass) before the test. On the day of the examination, it is advisable to dress the child so that the hand can be easily exposed. In addition, it is a good idea to explain to the child beforehand how the examination will take place and allow them to take their favorite mascot with them.

Preventive screening tests are carried out to detect abnormalities or diseases in people who have no symptoms. They allow early detection of disease and effective treatment at an early stage, or lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing disease. Screening results also help to determine whether further diagnosis is needed.

At various stages of a child's life, regular comprehensive examinations (often referred to as health checks) are conducted. These scheduled visits provide parents with valuable information about their child's growth and development, allowing for the early detection of potential developmental irregularities and illnesses. If necessary, the doctor may also order laboratory or imaging tests.

Some examinations and/or tests can be done without a doctor's referral. However, it is important to avoid putting your child through unnecessary stress by taking blood when it is not justified. If a parent is concerned about something, they should consult a doctor.