Commonly Performed Urinary Tract Diagnostic Tests For Children

A] Introduction To Pediatric Urology Tests And Its Procedures

A pediatric urology test is a process of diagnosing any urological conditions in children with the help of various advanced diagnosis equipment. These tests serve as essential parameters to diagnose any malformation in the urinary tract. They provide great visibility of the urinary tract and assess any signs of tumour, blockages, or any other abnormal conditions.

Various urological tests are performed such as blood tests, CT scans, cystoscopy, diuretic renal scans, genitogram, KUB (Kidney, Ureter, Bladder), MRI, ultrasound, and so on to assess the condition of the urinary tract and the associated organs. These tests are performed separately and follow various unique pediatric urology procedures to assess the urological disease conditions.

B] Most Prevalent Children’s Urology Tests

1. Blood Tests

A blood test is performed by taking the blood from the child’s vein and passing it through various pathological processes to assess the result of a blood test. It is a common urological test that is usually performed to diagnose any sign of infection, kidney conditions, and other complications. Blood tests may give your pediatric urologist an overview of your child’s urinary condition and give them a basic report for further tests or treatment procedures.

2. CT Scan

Pediatric computed tomography (CT) is a reliable and painless testing procedure that can provide detailed information about one’s child’s internal organs using advanced X-ray machines. CT scan test provides a clear assessment report that contributes to tracking any stone inside the kidney or blockage in the urinary tract. These test reports help diagnose the problem and make the best urologic disorder treatment strategies.

3. Cystoscopy

It is an advanced pediatric urology test that uses a camera (known as a cystoscope) to assess the condition of urinary organs such as the bladder and urethra. The cystoscope goes through the urethra to enter the bladder and inspect the bladder wall. Further, if required, a small piece of tissue (biopsy) can be taken to perform a thorough bladder infection test or to check for any other urinary complications.

4. Diuretic Renal Scan

It is an advanced urology test performed to assess the conditions of the kidney. It uses a tube to see a clear picture of kidney function. In this test, a small amount of radioactive material is injected for a detailed assessment of kidney function and urinary tract drainage. The radioactive material, called radiopharmaceutical,  emits gamma rays detectable by the gamma camera to provide clear images of the kidneys and urinary tract. The radioactive material used to perform the test is highly safe for a child’s body.

5. Genitogram

A genitogram studies the abdomen and pelvis area of your child’s body. In this test, a tube and a special dye are used to perform the test. It utilises an X-ray to take pictures of the abdomen and pelvic area to identify any abnormalities and issues. Diagnosis helps in designing the right treatment plan for your child.

6. KUB (Kidney, Ureter, Bladder)

KUB test is usually suggested to assess any injuries to the stomach or intestines, fluid in your abdominal cavity, or a blockage of your intestines. This X-ray imaging technique is used to take a picture of the abdomen and pelvis of a child’s body. The test report is further analysed to diagnose any blockage or stone in those regions of the body.

7. MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test is done to get clear details of tissues and cells using magnetic and radio waves. MRI is one of the prominent urinary tract diagnostic tests as it offers a clear and detailed picture of masses and cystic structures.

8. Ultrasound

Ultrasound is also a prominent test that uses sound waves to diagnose any abnormality in a child’s urinary tract. It uses highly intense sound waves to find any blockages in the urinary tract or any stone inside the kidney.

9. Urinalysis

Urinalysis utilises the pediatric urine sample to identify any blood in urine, detect any infection traces, and help diagnose kidney diseases. The urinalysis consists of three stages which are physical, chemical, and microscopical, and involves the checking of appearance, concentration, and content of the urine.

10. Urine Culture And Sensitivity

Urine culture and sensitivity is also a test of urine infection that contributes to detecting the germs and viruses that cause the urinary tract infection.

C] Preparing Your Child For Pediatric Urology Procedures

If you are taking your child for a pediatric urology test, there is usually no need to take any extra precautions before heading to the test lab. However, it is suggested to let your doctor know the ongoing medicinal dosages and health issues your child has.  Apart from that, any kind of metal substance is not allowed during the MRI test procedure, kindly inform the technician about the presence of metal structures on your child’s body, if any.

D] Why Choose Dr. Gursev For Pediatric Urology Surgeries

Dr. Gursev is a renowned and leading consultant, pediatric surgeon, and pediatric urologist with 20+ years of experience in reputed hospitals like Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Jaslok Hospital, Saifee Hospital, Surya Hospital and others.

Apart from that, he holds the degree of MBBS, MS, and, MCh in Pediatric Surgery and trained himself in Reconstructive Pediatric Urology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbia, Ohio, USA, and in Robotic Pediatric surgery at Comer Children’s Hospital, Chicago, USA.

Dr. Gursev is India’s only comprehensive robotic pediatric surgery centre that brings your child’s captivating smile back with minimal incision and pain during pediatric urology surgeries. He has exceptional expertise in pediatric urology, bedwetting, and robotic pediatric surgery. These exceptional expertise and experience make him a standalone doctor who can understand your child’s pain and give surety to bring your child’s smile back.