A competent doctor will not diagnose, based solely on the results of the tests. But thanks to laboratory methods of research, the doctor can objectify the condition of the baby, which facilitates the diagnosis of the disease.
General blood analysis
This is the most commonly prescribed study. To do this, it is enough to take 1 ml of blood from the finger. The laboratory assistant will assess the state of erythrocytes and hemoglobin, responsible for the transportation of oxygen from the lungs of the baby to the outermost cell of the body. If the number of erythrocytes (red blood cells) and / or hemoglobin is reduced, it is an anemia - a condition in which oxygen hunger can develop. The child thus looks a little pale and sluggish, often ill with colds.
The number of white blood cells (leukocytes) reflects the presence of inflammatory processes. With infection, leukocytes leave the "depot" into the peripheral blood and their total number increases. The so-called blood formula reflects the ratio of different forms of leukocytes. Thanks to her doctor can answer the question, which agent caused this disease: bacterial or viral. A general blood test reflects the blood coagulation system. For stopping bleeding, large cells - platelets. In case of injury of the vascular wall, they rush to the site of bleeding and form a blood clot - a thrombus. Reducing their number can provoke bleeding, and excessive increase - the tendency to thrombosis.
It is advisable to take the test on an empty stomach. The fact is that eating can distort some of the indicators. For example, the number of leukocytes may increase.
Biochemical analysis
This study of the classification of norms and types of laboratory tests of blood and urine displays a variety of parameters of the internal organs. Thus, the quantitative determination of bilirubin, ALT and ACT enzymes reflects liver function, levels of creatinine and urea-kidney. Alpha-amylase, the enzyme of the pancreas, will "tell" about the degree of tension of its work. We listed only the main indicators. If you suspect a disease or dysfunction of a particular body system, the doctor can extend the diagnosis. Biochemical analysis allows you to accurately determine the level of glucose in the blood, total protein, iron and basic electrolytes of blood: potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus and magnesium. For this study, more blood is required: 2-5 ml. Blood is taken from the vein. The only exception is the determination of the sugar level: in this case, blood is taken only from the finger.
Blood surrenders on an empty stomach! Offer your baby a warm water or a weak tea without sugar. Take with you to the clinic a bottle of baby food or something else for a snack after taking the tests.
General urine analysis
Like the general blood test, this is the most common laboratory test. This analysis allows you to answer the main questions: is there inflammation, and whether there is a violation of kidney function, which results in the appearance of sugar and protein in the urine. The level of inflammation "will tell" leukocytes, which, as we already know, tend to the place of infection. In the general analysis of urine, single white blood cells are allowed. It turns out that there can be red blood cells in the urine! They penetrate from the blood vessels through the so-called renal barrier. In norm they are very few: up to 1-2 in the field of view. Sugar and protein in the general analysis of urine should not be. Against the background of pronounced inflammation, bacteria can be detected.
Urine for general analysis is usually collected at home. The quality of the collection may depend on the result. To conduct the study, it is necessary to collect up to 50 ml of urine. Prepare a container (dishes). Suitable mayonnaise jar or a ready-made plastic container, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. Carefully sweep the kid in the evening before the study, as well as in the morning. For this study, the entire morning portion of urine is collected.