Healthy teenager test package

Opis produktu

What this package is for

Ten tests covering areas that commonly cause problems during adolescence: full blood count with differential (anaemia, infections and immune disorders), C-reactive protein (CRP) and antistreptolysin O (ASO) (inflammation and evidence of a previous streptococcal infection, relevant to joint pain or recurrent tonsillitis), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) (liver health, including fatty liver associated with excess weight), creatinine and urinalysis (kidney health, urinary tract infections, protein and glucose in urine), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) (thyroid problems, which often cause fatigue, weight changes and difficulty concentrating during adolescence), lipid profile and glucose (metabolic risk; the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends lipid screening once between ages 9 and 11 and once between ages 17 and 21). One blood draw and one urine sample.

When to consider these tests

• Persistent fatigue, sleepiness, difficulty concentrating or declining school performance,
• Rapid weight gain or loss, excess weight or a family history of obesity,
• Pallor, dizziness, heavy periods in girls or a vegetarian or vegan diet,
• Recurrent infections, tonsillitis or joint pain following an infection,
• A family history of diabetes, thyroid disease or high cholesterol (parents or grandparents before age 55),
• Before starting intensive sports training, or once every 1–2 years as a check-up.

How to prepare

• Have blood taken in the morning after fasting for 8–12 hours and a full night’s sleep; avoid intensive exercise the day before (it raises ALAT, creatinine and CRP).
• Urine: collect a first morning midstream sample in a sterile container after washing around the urethral opening; deliver it to the collection centre within 2 hours, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours if necessary. Do not collect during an infection or menstruation.
• Do not have the tests during an infection or within 2 weeks afterwards: CRP, blood count and ferritin results will be affected.
• Bring a list of medicines and supplements; biotin interferes with TSH and FT4 results, so stop taking it for 2–3 days beforehand.
• Anyone under 18 must attend with a parent or guardian (consent for sample collection).

How to read the results

Reference ranges for teenagers differ from adult ranges; the laboratory provides age- and sex-specific ranges on the report. A paediatrician should assess the results.

Other tests to consider

For fatigue and pallor: ferritin and vitamin D; for excess weight: insulin; for acne and irregular periods in girls: hormone test package. Learn more: blood tests for children on Badania-Medyczne.pl.

Sources: ALAB laboratories, General package (fasting preparation, urine collection and what blood count, glucose, lipid profile and creatinine tests show); American Academy of Pediatrics, Bright Futures Periodicity Schedule (lipid screening once at ages 9–11 and 17–21, assessment of anaemia risk, and HIV screening once between ages 15 and 21). This information does not replace a medical consultation.