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Description

Armon et al listed indications for laboratory testing of a pediatric patient with diarrhea associated with gastroenteritis, with or without vomiting. Laboratory tests are often not needed to manage many of these patients. The authors are from University of Nottingham, Pinderfields General Hospital and Maudsley Hospital in England.


 

Patient selection: pediatric patient with gastroenteritis

 

Indications for blood tests:

(1) severe dehydration with hypotension or shock (circulatory compromise)

(2) moderate dehydration with doughy skin, suggesting hypernatremia

(3) moderate dehydration with a clinical history and/or physical exam inconsistent with a usual episode of gastroenteritis

 

Basic laboratory tests may include:

(1) blood urea or BUN

(2) serum creatinine

(3) electrolytes

(4) bicarbonate

 

Additional testing may be necessary if diagnoses other than gastroenteritis are possible (serum total bilirubin, liver function tests, blood culture, serum albumin, platelet count, etc).

 


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