Diagnostic procedures

In order to reach a diagnosis for digestive and liver problems, a thorough and accurate medical history must be taken by the physician, noting the symptoms your child has experienced and any other pertinent information. A physical examination is also done to help assess the problem more completely.

Some patients need to undergo a more extensive diagnostic evaluation, which may include laboratory tests, imaging tests, or endoscopic procedures. These tests may include any, or all, of the following:

Laboratory tests:

Albumin level

A sample of blood is obtained from your child's vein. Below-normal levels of albumin, a protein made by the liver, found in the bloodstream are associated with many chronic liver disorders.

Bilirubin level

A sample of blood is taken from your child's vein. Bilirubin is produced by the liver and is excreted in the bile. Elevated levels of bilirubin may indicate an obstruction of bile flow or a defect in the processing of bile by the liver. · complete blood count (CBC) A sample of blood is taken from your child's finger or vein, and the different types of cells in the bloodstream are examined. White blood cells multiply when infection is present. Red blood cells will be present in smaller amounts than normal if blood has been lost, if the diet has been inadequate, or with certain diseases.

Electrolyte tests

A sample of blood is taken from your child's vein, and the amounts of minerals known as electrolytes are measured. Up to 22 electrolytes can be measured, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and glucose. These minerals are important for the body to function properly. Children who have lost large amounts of fluid due to vomiting or diarrhea often lose large amounts of the various electrolytes as well. Your child's physician uses electrolyte tests to help determine when your child might need extra fluids given intravenously or other medications to help with dehydration and mineral loss.

Fecal fat test

With this test, you child is asked to eat a high fat diet for several days. You collect small samples of stool in sealed containers for 3 days. Your child's physician will send them to a laboratory. The amount of fat contained in your child's stool is measured. If the digestive tract is working properly, only small amounts of fat will be present in the stool; the rest of the fat that was in the diet will have been digested and reabsorbed by the body. If your child has a condition known as malabsorption, then the intestinal tract cannot digest fats as well as it should, and elevated amounts of fat will pass through into the stool.

Fecal occult blood test

A fecal occult blood test checks for hidden (occult) blood in the stool. It involves placing a very small amount of stool on a special card, which is then tested in the physician's office or sent to a laboratory.

Hydrogen breath test

This test measures the amount of hydrogen in the breath, and helps diagnose several digestive problems, including carbohydrate intolerance, bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine, and rapid transit of food through the small intestine.

Normally, digestive enzymes in the stomach and upper small intestine digest carbohydrates in the food we eat. Bacteria in the lower small intestine digest the rest of the carbohydrates, and produce hydrogen gas in the process. If carbohydrates are largely undigested by the time they reach the small intestine, bacteria will complete the digestive process; however, hydrogen gas being produced will cause cramps and bloating. This can happen if the carbohydrates are not digested properly, if food moves through the digestive system quickly, or if there are large numbers of bacteria present.

The amount of hydrogen in the breath is greater than usual when bacteria in the intestines digest carbohydrates instead of digestion being done by the normal digestive enzymes. The child is told to fast overnight, and then breath samples are obtained by having the child blow into a balloon periodically. He/she will be given samples of a carbohydrate (such as lactose or sorbitol) to drink. The amount of hydrogen produced in the breath will be measured at the start of the test, and at intervals after carbohydrates are given.

Lactose tolerance test

This test helps determine if a child has trouble digesting lactose properly. Your child is given a liquid containing lactose to drink. Several blood samples are taken over a 2 hour period to measure the amount of glucose (sugar) present in the bloodstream. If lactose is digested normally, blood glucose rises. If lactose is not digested as it should be, then the blood glucose level does not change throughout the test.

Liver enzymes

A sample of blood is taken from your child's vein, and the amounts of enzymes that the liver normally makes are measured. Elevated levels of liver enzymes can alert physicians to liver damage or injury, since the enzymes leak from the liver into the bloodstream under these circumstances.

Prothrombin time (PT) test

This test measures the time it takes for blood to clot. Blood clotting requires vitamin K and a protein made by the liver. Liver cell damage and bile flow obstruction can both interfere with proper blood clotting.

Stool culture

A stool culture checks for the presence of abnormal bacteria in the digestive tract that may cause diarrhea and other problems. A small sample of stool is collected and sent to a laboratory by your physician's office. In 2 or 3 days, the test will show whether abnormal bacteria are present.

Urea breath test

This test helps diagnose the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) in the digestive tract. Your child swallows a capsule containing urea. If H.pylori is present in the stomach, then the urea will be converted into nitrogen and carbon. The carbon changes to carbon dioxide and moves into the bloodstream, and then into the lungs where it is exhaled. Your child breathes into a balloon, and the amount of carbon in the breath is measured. A positive test, meaning carbon is present, indicates the presence of H.pylori.

A negative test, meaning no carbon is detected, indicates no H.pylori is present.

Imaging tests:

Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan)
A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body.

A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays. Your child will lie on a bed that moves into a doughnut shaped machine that takes many pictures of different areas of the body. Because the machine is noisy, and because your child may need to lie still for awhile with his/her arms over the head, a sedative might be given to help your child rest during the procedure.

Lower GI (gastrointestinal) series (also called barium enema)

A procedure that examines the rectum, the large intestine, and the lower part of the small intestine. A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray) is given into the rectum as an enema. An x-ray of the abdomen shows strictures (narrowed areas), obstructions (blockages), and other problems.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. Your child lies on a bed that moves into the cylindrical CT scanner.

The machine takes a series of pictures of the inside of the body using a magnetic field and radiowaves. The computer enhances the pictures produced. The test is painless, and does not involve exposure to radiation. Because the CT scanner is like a tunnel, some children are claustrophobic or unable to hold still during the test, and may be given medication to help them relax or sleep.

Metal objects cannot be present in the MRI room, so children with pacemakers or metal clips or rods inside the body cannot have this test done. All jewelry must be removed before the procedure.

Oropharyngeal motility (swallowing) study

Your child is given small amounts of a liquid containing barium to drink with a bottle, spoon, or cup. Barium shows up well on x-ray. A series of x-rays are taken to evaluate what happens as your child swallows the liquid.

Ultrasound

A diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.

Gel is applied to the area of the body being studied, such as the abdomen, and a wand called a transducer is placed on the skin. The transducer sends sound waves into the body that bounce off organs and return to the ultrasound machine, producing an image on the monitor. A picture or video tape of the test is also made so it can be reviewed in the future.

Upper GI (gastrointestinal) series

A diagnostic test that examines the organs of the upper part of the digestive system: the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray) is swallowed. X-rays are then taken to evaluate the digestive organs.

Endoscopic procedures

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a procedure that allows the physician to view the entire length of the large intestine, and can often help identify abnormal growths, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding.

The colonoscope allows the physician to see the lining of the colon, remove tissue for further examination, and possibly treat some problems that are discovered.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

ERCP is a procedure that allows the physician to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. The procedure combines x-ray and the use of an endoscope - a long, flexible, lighted tube.

The scope is guided through the patient's mouth and throat, then through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The physician can look examine the inside of these organs and detect any abnormalities. A tube is then passed through the scope, and a dye is injected which will allow the internal organs to appear on x-ray.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (also called upper endoscopy) is a procedure that allows the physician to look at the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope is guided into the mouth and throat, then into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

The endoscope allows the physician to view the inside of this area of the body, as well as to insert instruments through a scope for the removal of a sample of tissue for biopsy (if necessary).

Other procedures

Anorectal manometry

This test helps determine the strength of the muscles in the rectum and anus. These muscles normally tighten to hold in a bowel movement and relax when a bowel movement is passed. Anorectal manometry is helpful in evaluating anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung's disease, among other problems. A small tube is placed into the rectum, and the pressures inside the anus and rectum are measured.

Esophageal manometry

This test helps determine the strength of the muscles in the esophagus. It is useful in evaluating gastroesophageal reflux and swallowing abnormalities. A small tube is guided into the nostril, then passed into the throat and finally into the esophagus. The pressure the esophageal muscles produce at rest is then measured.

Esophageal pH monitoring

An esophageal pH monitor measures the acidity inside of the esophagus. It is helpful in evaluating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A thin plastic tube is placed into a nostril, guided down the throat and then into the esophagus. The tube stops just above the lower esophageal sphincter, which is at the connection between the esophagus and the stomach. At the end of the tube inside the esophagus is a sensor that measures pH, or acidity.

The other end of the tube outside the body is connected to a monitor that records the pH levels for a 12 to 24 hour period. Normal activity is encouraged during the study, and a diary is kept of symptoms experienced or activity that might be suspicious for reflux, such as gagging or coughing. The pH readings are evaluated and compared to the child's activity for that time period.

Liver biopsy

A liver biopsy helps diagnose liver diseases. A small sample of liver tissue is obtained with a special biopsy needle and examined for abnormalities. Children are sometimes given medication to minimize their anxiety during the procedure. A small area of skin over the liver is numbed with a local anesthetic. The anesthetic is then injected deeper under the skin to numb the area that the biopsy needle will pass through and reduce the discomfort of the test.

The biopsy needle is quickly inserted through the skin and into the liver, and then withdrawn. Sometimes, an ultrasound of the liver is done at the same time to help the physician know exactly where to obtain the tissue samples. After a liver biopsy, a healthcare professional will observe the child for bleeding problems for a few hours. Pain medications will be given, if needed.