May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Cholesterol Management Is Bloodwork for Children Necessary?
Is Bloodwork for Children Necessary? |
|
Dear Ask The Doctor: We have 2 daughters ages 13 and 10 and their pediatrician insists they get bloodwork every 2 years. I have never heard of kids getting bloodwork. We did it the first time he sent us and it was awful (about 3 years ago) now because it has been more than 2 years he is really pushing for us to get it done. My kids have no health issues although he said their cholesterol was a little high last time (I believe my husband took them to McDonalds or Wendy's for chicken nuggets that day to bribe them to go!) they typically do not eat fast food or tons of junk food. Can you tell me if this is necessary? Dear Karen: Bloodwork in pediatric patients every two years would not cause any harm in your children besides temporary pain and discomfort but can give so much information about his heir current condition. Screening for anemia, normal range of hormones and state of their immune system can be followed by a simple blood test, however if you as parent don’t feel comfortable with these, you certainly can refuse tests and also treatments suggested by your pediatrician. |
|
| Last Updated ( Friday, 17 September 2010 ) |
|
|
|
|
