Glossary of Blood Tests

The following is a list of tests commonly performed in Pediatrics. This is not meant to replace explanations of these tests by your child’s doctors or nurses. It will help you know the terms used and give simple definitions for these tests. As each child’s plan of care and treatment is different, your child may not need to have every one of the following tests. Please ask your child’s nurse for further information if needed. Our Pediatric Hospitalists will be glad to review test results with you when a specific test has been done.

ABG (Arterial Blood Gas): A blood test used to measure if a patient is exchanging oxygen properly and metabolic status.

Bilirubin, Total: A measure of bilirubin, a chemical release during normal cell breakdown, circulating in the blood. Often young infants have difficulty filtering out bilirubin because the liver needs some time to mature.

Biopsy: A test where a piece of tissue is taken from a person’s body and looked at through a microscope to see if the cells are normal. A successful biopsy will confirm whether a person has cancer, and what type.

Blood Count: A blood test that measures the number of red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells.

Blood Culture: Multiple blood samples are taken to assess for widespread infection.

Blood Glucose or Blood Sugar: A droplet of blood is analyzed to measure the amount of glucose in the blood.

BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel): Blood test giving the levels of glucose, calcium, potassium, sodium, carbon dioxide and chloride. The doctors can use this information to assess the status of the kidneys, electrolyte balance and acid/base balance.

CBC (Complete Blood Count): This is a blood test done to measure the numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, amount of hemoglobin and platelets. The doctors use the results of this test in planning the treatments needed for your child.

CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel): This includes all of the levels on the BMP plus levels of protein, urine concentration and kidney filtering and liver function.

CRP (C-reactive protein): This blood test is used to determine the presence of an inflammatory process, which can indicate an infection.

Culture: This can be collected from any bodily fluids, drainage or wound site. The sample is placed in a dish and watched over 72 hours to assess for bacterial or fungal growth.

Electrolytes (Lytes): Blood sample where the levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and glucose are measured.

Hematrocrit: The percentage of red blood cells in the blood.

Hemoglobin: The substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

H & H: A blood sample that measures both hematocrit and hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin a1c: A blood test used to assess a diabetic’s average glucose levels over the last 6-12 weeks.

Nasal Wash: Sample collected by inserting a tube into the nose and suctioning out mucus which can be sent to test for RSV, influenza and culture.

Peak and Trough: Collecting blood before and after an antibiotic is given to assess the levels of medicine in the patient’s blood at the lowest and highest points.

Retic Count: A blood sample where the amount of young red blood cells are measured and used to assess the bone marrow function.

Stool Sample: Stool is taken from a collection hat placed in the toilet or from a diaper and checked for presence of different bacteria.

Sweat Chloride: A special lead is used to collect sweat and measure the amount of chloride present. This is used as a test for cystic fibrosis.

Urinalysis: Urine collection that looks for kidney function, hydration level of the patient or the presence of an infection in the urinary tract.