Pediatrics

Unless the word “adult” is used in the test name, most tests offered by ARUP Laboratories are suitable for pediatric patients. Pediatric-specific tests may be recommended in clinical situations when markers differ between pediatric and adult patients. In other clinical scenarios, age-specific reference intervals may facilitate correct interpretation. Pediatric-specific tests will generally include the words “children” or “pediatric” in the test name on the Laboratory Test Directory. Many tests include Ordering Recommendations in the Laboratory Test Directory that further clarify the populations for whom these tests are recommended.

Tests that have the words “adult” or “adults” in the test name on the Laboratory Test Directory are generally not suitable for pediatric patients. For example, “Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Panel by FISH, Adult” or “Testosterone (Adult Males or Individuals on Testosterone Hormone Therapy)” are not usually recommended for pediatric patients; in these cases, an alternative test appropriate for the patient’s age and clinical scenario should be ordered. For many tests, Ordering Recommendations in the Laboratory Test Directory provide guidance on the suitability of a test for a given clinical scenario and suggest alternative tests.

Minimum volumes required for each test are listed in the Laboratory Test Directory under “Specimen Required.” Unless otherwise noted, these minimums apply to both pediatric and adult patient samples. If available, additional acceptable specimen information may be found in the Specimen Collection and Handling instructions, which can be found as a PDF under the “Specimen Collection and Handling” icon on the Laboratory Test Directory.

If established for a particular test, age-specific reference intervals are listed in the Laboratory Test Directory under “Reference Interval” or provided on example patient charts. Many tests that do not have age-specific reference intervals may still be suitable for pediatric patients.