Pediatric Laboratory Medicine: Current Challenges and Future Opportunities
Published June 2002 in the American Journal of Clinical Pathology.
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Cheryl M. Coffin, MD, Marilyn S. Hamilton, MD, PhD, Theodore J. Pysher, MD, Philip Bach, PhD, Edward Ashwood, MD, Jeanne Schweiger, Dennis Monahan, Deborah Perry, MD, Beverly B. Rogers, MD, Carlo Brugnara, MD, Joe Rutledge, MD, Ronald Weiss, MD, MBA, Owen Ash, PhD, Harry Hill, MD, Wayne Meikle, MD, William Roberts, MD and Sharon Geaghan, MD
Abstract:
The practice of pediatric laboratory medicine involves unique challenges related to development, nutrition, growth, and diseases during different periods of infancy, childhood, and adolescence. This article discusses key aspects of pediatric laboratory medicine faced by clinical pathologists, clinical laboratory scientists, and clinicians, including point-of-care testing, preanalytic variables, analytic factors, age-specific reference intervals, esoteric laboratory tests, clinical impact, and future opportunities. Although challenging, pediatric laboratory testing offers many opportunities for improved patient care, clinical- and laboratory-based research and education.
