Lab Tests to Diagnose Digestive Diseases in Children

Albumin. A protein found in blood. To check it, a blood sample is drawn from your child. A below-normal albumin level may mean problems in the liver or kidneys, or malnutrition with protein loss.

ALP (alkaline phosphatase or alk phos). An enzyme produced in the liver and bone. To check it, a blood sample is drawn from your child. A high level of ALP may mean liver disease or bone growth.

ALT (alanine aminotransferase). An enzyme produced in the liver. To check it, a blood sample is drawn from your child. A high level of ALT may mean problems in the liver.

Amylase. An enzyme produced in the salivary glands and pancreas that helps with digestion. To check it, a blood sample is drawn from your child. An abnormal amylase level may mean problems in the pancreas or other gastrointestinal (GI) organs, including stomach or duodenal ulcers.

AST (aspartate aminotransferase). An enzyme found in the liver, kidneys, heart and other muscles, and in blood cells and body tissue. To check it, a blood sample is drawn from your child. A high level of AST may mean problems in the liver.

Bilirubin. A breakdown product of hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen in the blood. To check it, a blood sample is drawn from your child. A high level of bilirubin may mean liver disease or a problem with the red blood cells.

BUN (blood urea nitrogen). Urea nitrogen is a product that forms when proteins are broken down. To check it, a blood sample is drawn from your child. A high BUN level may mean problems in the kidneys. A low BUN level may mean liver failure or nutrition problems, such as low protein.

CBC (complete blood count). This test measures the amounts of different types of cells in the bloodstream. To check it, a blood sample is drawn from your child. Abnormal results may mean a range of problems, including anemia (low red blood cell level), dehydration, and infection.

Creatinine. A breakdown product of creatine, which is found in muscle tissue. To check it, a blood sample or urine sample is taken from your child. A high creatinine level may mean problems in the kidneys.

CRP (C-reactive protein). A protein made by the liver when inflammation occurs. To check for it, a blood sample is drawn from your child. The presence of CRP may mean inflammatory disorders or infection.

Fecal occult blood test. Checks for hidden (occult) blood in the stool. A stool sample is taken from your child and tested for blood. If occult blood is found, it suggests bleeding in the GI tract.

GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase). An enzyme made mainly in the liver. To check it, a blood sample is drawn from your child. A high level of GGT may mean problems in the liver or bile ducts.

Lipase. An enzyme made by the pancreas that helps break down fats. To check it, a blood sample is drawn from your child. A high level of lipase may mean problems in the pancreas.

O&P (ova and parasite). This test checks for the presence of parasites in stool. Several stool samples are taken from your child. A positive result means a GI infection involving parasites.

Stool culture. This test checks for the presence of abnormal bacteria in stool. A stool sample is taken from your child. A positive result means a GI infection involving bacteria.