• Blood cultures are observed in the lab for bacteria growth. Blood for these cultures will be drawn each time your child has a fever. • ABO typing (blood type) and antibody screen tests help identify the compatible donor blood for your child in case a blood transfusion is needed. Urine Tests At times, your child will be asked to give a urine sample. This provides information about the health of the kidneys and whether there might be an infection in the urinary tract. Radiology Tests Radiology tests are used to detect changes that may indicate a future problem, diagnose a complication, or monitor your child’s response to a treatment plan. The following are examples of radiology tests: • X rays take pictures of the inside of the body to help diagnose problems. A chest X ray often is done to check for pneumonia or acute chest syndrome in children with sickle cell disease. • CT scans are used less frequently but may be helpful at times. A CT scan takes multiple cross-sectional pictures that are put together by a computer to give a better idea of what soft tissues, bones, and organs look like. The results are sometimes more helpful than an X ray’s results. • MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images similar to those of a CT scan. MRI is used when a CT scan or X ray is unable to give enough detailed information. • Ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of your child’s body. An abdominal ultrasound may be performed to determine the presence of gallstones. • TCD is an ultrasound technique that looks at the blood vessels of the brain and how well the blood flows to the brain. TCD is a very powerful screening tool used to detect the risk of stroke in a child with sickle cell disease (HbSS and HbS- β 0 thal). Other Tests • Echocardiography (ECHO) is a noninvasive way to look at the structure of the heart and how the blood flows through it. It is helpful for the early detection of pulmonary hypertension. • Lung function tests (also called pulmonary function tests, or PFTs) show how well your child’s lungs function. • Polysomnography (also called a sleep study) diagnoses sleep disorders. This test can determine if your child is having trouble getting enough oxygen when asleep. • Neuropsychological testing measures your child’s strengths and weaknesses in areas such as learning abilities, language, memory, and attention span.
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