Stool (or feces) is usually thought of as nothing but waste — something to quickly flush away. But bowel movements can provide doctors with valuable information as to what’s wrong when a child has a problem in the stomach, intestines, or another part of the gastrointestinal system. A doctor may …
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Strep Test: Rapid
What It Is A rapid strep test involves a quick throat swab. Within minutes, the test can show the presence of group A streptococcus bacteria, which can cause strep throat and other infections (including scarlet fever, abscesses, and pneumonia). Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the back of …
Strep Test: Throat Culture
What It Is A throat culture or strep test is performed by using a throat swab to detect the presence of group A streptococcus bacteria, the most common cause of strep throat. These bacteria also can cause other infections, including scarlet fever, abscesses, and pneumonia. A sample swabbed from the …
Surgeries and Procedures: Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
A lumbar puncture (also called a spinal tap) is a medical test that involves collecting a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for examination. This clear, colorless liquid helps “cushion” the brain and spinal cord, or central nervous system. Words like “puncture” and “tap” seem intimidating, but the concept of …
Ultrasound: Abdomen
What It Is An abdominal ultrasound is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to make images of the abdomen (belly). During the examination, an ultrasound machine sends sound waves into the abdominal area and images are recorded on a computer. The black-and-white images show the internal structures …
Ultrasound: Bladder
What It Is A bladder ultrasound is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to make images of the bladder before and after urination (peeing). During the examination, an ultrasound machine sends sound waves into the bladder area and images are recorded on a computer. The black-and-white images …
Ultrasound: Head
What It Is A head ultrasound is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to make images of the brain. During the examination, an ultrasound machine sends sound waves into the head and images are recorded on a computer. The black-and-white images show the internal structure of the …
Ultrasound: Infant Hip
What It Is A hip ultrasound is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to make images of the hip. During the examination, an ultrasound machine sends sound waves into the hip area, and images are recorded on a computer. The black-and-white images show the internal structures of …
Ultrasound: Pelvis
What It Is A pelvic ultrasound is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to make images of the pelvis. During the examination, an ultrasound machine sends sound waves into the pelvic area and images are recorded on a computer. The black-and-white images show the internal structures of …
Ultrasound: Renal (Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder)
What It Is A renal ultrasound is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to make images of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located toward the back of the abdominal cavity, just above the waist. They remove waste products from …