Tests for Pediatric Liver Problems

Pediatric liver patients may receive a physical examination during a doctor's visit, and some patients require more advanced testing. The testing may include laboratory tests, imaging tests or endoscopic procedures to confirm diagnosis. A pediatric gastroenterologist can provide specialty care to younger liver patients.

Liver Enzymes

• High levels of liver enzymes may represent liver damage or injury. Pediatric liver patients have a sample of blood removed from the veins, measured and the results viewed by a physician.

Stool Culture

• A physician's office collects a small stool culture from a child and the sample is given to a laboratory. The stool culture is used to confirm the presence of unusual bacteria in a child's digestive system.

Ultrasound

• An ultrasound is an imaging test which submits sound waves and provides computer images to internal organs such as the liver. Physicians may order the test to confirm a child's liver function.

Oropharyngeal Motility Study

• An oropharyngeal motility study is a swallowing study which uses liquid with barium. A child is given the liquid, asked to swallow and the barium shows on x-ray for physician evaluation.

Colonoscopy

• A long, flexible tube is inserted into the child's rectum into the colon. A tiny light is attached for physicians to confirm liver problems or remove tissue for examination.