Lab and imaging tests for children and teens

Doctors use several different lab and imaging tests to help detect and diagnose) a blood cancer (leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, or myeloproliferative disease). Your child may need to undergo additional tests to confirm their diagnosis. 

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your child’s doctor may need to test them for certain genetic, cellular, or molecular characteristics that will help treat a specific diagnosis. 

How your child's doctor uses lab and imaging test results

Your child’s doctor considers these test results along with information from your child’s physical examination and detailed medical history to: 

• Confirm a blood cancer diagnosis, its specific subtype, and its stage
• Decide whether additional tests are needed
• Determine your child’s risk and expected outcome (prognosis)
• Guide treatment decisions
• Monitor your child’s condition if treatment isn't yet needed ("watch and wait")
• Measure your child’s response to treatment during and after therapy
• Track your child’s health during and after treatment 

Common lab and imaging tests

The tests most commonly used to diagnose and monitor blood cancers include: 

Your child’s doctor may order additional tests if your child has multiple medical conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or other illnesses (called comorbidities) that may affect their body's ability to fight infection. 

It's common to feel some stress or anxiety about having a test or receiving results. Discuss any concerns you or your child may have with their doctor, and ask questions so you understand why a specific test is being ordered and what to expect.  

You or your child may have concerns or questions about: 

• The test's safety
• Your child’s comfort during and after the test
• Whether your child needs to do anything beforehand to prepare for the test, such as fast
• The time it will take to get your child’s test results
• Whether you need to call for the results or if the doctor's office will call you
• When you and your child will be able to discuss the test results with the doctor 

Children may be uncomfortable about having their blood drawn, getting injections, or being in an enclosed space (required for some imaging tests). Talk with the doctor about your child’s fears or mention them to the staff when you schedule the appointment. Parents often have to calm their child's fears about tests.