Pediatric Lab Testing

When your child needs lab testing, you want a team that understands how their age and development can affect their care. OSF HealthCare provides pediatric lab testing to help identify health concerns, support diagnoses and monitor conditions in children and teens throughout Illinois. Our team uses age-appropriate approaches and pediatric reference ranges to help ensure your child’s results are interpreted in the right context.

What is pediatric lab testing?

African American gyoung girl getting test Pediatric lab testing is the collection and analysis of blood, urine or other samples to help prevent, diagnose and monitor health conditions in children.

Your child’s provider may recommend lab testing as part of a routine checkup, to investigate symptoms, confirm or rule out a diagnosis, or monitor an ongoing condition or treatment.

Children’s bodies change as they grow, so their lab results are interpreted differently from those of adults. Pediatric reference ranges account for factors such as age, sex and stage of development. This helps your child’s care team understand what is typical for a child at their age and identify results that may need additional evaluation.

Why Choose OSF HealthCare

When your child needs lab testing, the experience matters just as much as the results. OSF HealthCare combines pediatric expertise with a care team focused on making testing as comfortable and convenient as possible for children and families.

Your child’s lab results can be reviewed alongside their medical history and other test results, helping their care team get a more complete picture of their health. When additional care is needed, OSF can coordinate with specialists to help connect your child with the right expertise.

For children who may feel nervous about blood draws, child life specialists can provide age-appropriate preparation, distraction and coping techniques to help make the experience more comfortable. The care team can also adapt the experience to your child’s age, developmental needs and individual concerns.

OSF offers pediatric lab testing at locations throughout Illinois, making it easier to find testing that fits your family’s needs. Depending on the location and type of testing ordered, convenient options may include walk-in laboratory services, scheduled appointments and access to results through OSF MyChart.

OSF HealthCare offers a variety of laboratory tests for children and teens. Your child’s provider will recommend testing based on their symptoms, health history and medical needs. Available tests vary by location.

Blood Tests for Children

Blood tests can provide information about your child’s overall health and help providers diagnose or monitor specific conditions. Common pediatric blood tests include:

Complete blood count (CBC)
Blood glucose
Lead testing
Thyroid testing
Iron studies
Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

Pediatric Genetic Testing

Genetic testing examines a child’s genes, chromosomes or other genetic material to help identify certain inherited or genetic conditions. Testing may be recommended to help explain symptoms, confirm a diagnosis or guide treatment and ongoing care.

OSF Children’s Hospital offers specialized pediatric genetics services for children and families who may benefit from genetic evaluation and testing.

Infection and Illness Testing

Testing can help identify the cause of certain infections and illnesses so your child’s provider can determine appropriate care. Depending on your child’s symptoms, testing may include:

Strep testing
RSV testing
Flu testing
COVID-19 testing
Mononucleosis testing

Urine and Stool Testing

Urine and stool samples can provide helpful information about your child’s health and help identify certain infections and other conditions. Tests may include:

Urinalysis
Urine culture
Stool cultures and testing

A lab test can feel like a big experience for a child, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our pediatric-trained teams understand that children may be nervous about needles, and they will take time to help your child feel safe, comfortable and supported throughout testing.

Before Your Lab Test

Your child’s preparation depends on the type of test they need. If fasting is required, your care team will explain when your child should stop eating or drinking. Follow any medication instructions provided by your child’s provider.

Bring your child’s insurance information, identification and any paperwork you were given. A favorite toy, blanket or other comfort item can also help your child feel more at ease.

Before the appointment, explain the test in simple, honest terms that match your child’s age. Let them know what they can expect without promising that it won’t hurt. If your child is especially nervous about needles, has sensory sensitivities or has had a difficult experience with testing before, tell the care team when you arrive.

A parent or guardian can typically accompany their child during testing, although arrangements may vary depending on the location and type of test.

During Your Test

We understand that children may need extra time or reassurance during a lab test. Pediatric-trained team members use age-appropriate communication and comfort-focused approaches to help your child feel more at ease.

If your child is nervous, the care team can use distraction, conversation and other coping techniques to help shift their focus away from the test. Child life specialists may provide additional support for children who need help managing fear or anxiety.

After Your Lab Test

After the sample is collected, your child can usually return to their normal activities unless their care team gives you different instructions. If your child had a blood draw, let the care team know if they feel lightheaded or unwell.

Results are sent to the provider who ordered the testing. Depending on the test, results may be available through OSF MyChart when they are finalized. Your child’s provider can help explain the results and let you know if any follow-up is needed.

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Locations

Peoria, IL

1310 North Missouri Avenue

OSF Cancer Institute

Peoria, IL

5114 North Glen Park Place Road

OSF Saint Francis - Diagnostic Imaging & Outpatient Lab

OSF-Saint-Francis-Diagnostic-Imaging-and-Outpatient-Lab-Peoria

Peoria, IL

1800 North Knoxville Avenue

OSF Center for Health - Outpatient Lab

Peoria, IL

8600 Illinois Route 91

OSF Saint Francis - Diagnostic Imaging & Outpatient Lab

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Can parents/guardians stay with their child during lab testing?

Parents and guardians can typically stay with their child during lab testing, although this may vary depending on the location and type of test. If you have questions about what to expect, your OSF care team can explain what will work best for your child.

How long does a lab test take?

The time needed for a lab test varies depending on the type of sample being collected. Many routine blood, urine and other tests can be completed within a short visit. Your care team can give you a better estimate based on the testing your child needs.

When will I get my child’s lab results?

Results are available at different times depending on the type of test. Some routine tests may be completed quickly, while specialized testing can take longer. Your child’s provider will review the results and let you know when they are available. Results may also be available through OSF MyChart when finalized.

Are lab tests covered by insurance?

Many lab tests are covered when they are medically necessary, but coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by insurance plan and the type of testing. Check with your insurance provider or the billing and insurance department before testing if you have questions about your child’s coverage.

Will my child’s lab test hurt?

Some lab tests, such as a blood draw, may cause a brief pinch or discomfort. We understand that children can be nervous about needles and use age-appropriate communication, reassurance and distraction to help make the experience more comfortable. Let your care team know if your child is especially anxious or has had a difficult experience with lab testing before.

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