What Is Lab Work?
Lab work includes common diagnostic tests that help your child’s provider better understand their health and make informed care decisions. At Little Oaks Pediatrics, most labs are completed right in our office by trained, qualified staff, which means:
- Faster turnaround for results
- Less waiting and fewer outside appointments
- Timely communication with parents about next steps
Lab work may be recommended during a well‑child visit, after a sick visit, or as part of follow‑up care. These tests are used to monitor growth, screen for potential concerns, or take a closer look when something doesn’t seem quite right.
What Happens During a Lab Work Visit?
We aim to keep lab visits simple and low‑stress for kids and parents. Our goal is to make sure you leave knowing what was done, why it matters, and what comes next.
A typical visit includes:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Lipid screening
- Urinalysis
- Glucose testing
When Should My Child Have Lab Work?
Lab work is most often completed:
During a routine well‑child check, when age‑appropriate screening is recommended
After a sick visit, if testing helps clarify symptoms
As a follow‑up appointment, scheduled directly by our team when monitoring is needed
In most cases, families don’t need to schedule lab work separately; your provider will guide you and help coordinate testing at the right time.
How to Prepare for Your Child’s Lab Visit
If special preparation is needed for a specific test, our team will let you know ahead of time.
To help your visit go smoothly, please:
Conveniently Located in Raleigh
Little Oaks Pediatrics offers lab work at our clinic location, making it easy to get care close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Each Little Oaks Pediatrics clinic has qualified staff and in-office lab capabilities, so many common tests can be done right where your child is seen.
Usually, no. Lab work is often completed during a well-child check. If your child needs labs after a sick visit or for follow-up, our team typically schedules it directly in the office.
Many commonly needed tests can be done in-office, including CBC, lipid screening, urinalysis, and glucose testing. Your provider will recommend what is appropriate for your child.
Because many tests are done in-office, results may be available sooner than if you went to an outside lab. Your provider will review the results and share next steps as soon as possible.
Some lab tests are part of preventive care at certain ages, or recommended based on your child’s health history. These screenings can help catch concerns early.
A nurse will triage your child, then your provider will evaluate them and decide which labs are needed. If testing is done, our team will guide you through each step and explain what happens next.
It helps to keep explanations simple and calm. You can bring a comfort item like a small toy or blanket, and let your child know the visit will be quick and you will be with them the whole time.
Bring an updated medication list. It is also helpful to bring your insurance card and any notes about symptoms or questions you want to discuss.
Lab results can help your provider confirm what is going on and choose the right next step, which may include treatment, follow-up, or additional testing if needed.