Blood Work for a 4 & 10 Year Olds

My son did it when he was 6 I think it was. I know my friends daughter has a different pediatrician she hasn't ever had any tests like this. Personally, I'd rather have them do the tests (since they aren't too invasive and it is all done in one shot) so I can detect early if something is wrong. My son also plays sports year round so I don't know if that has anything to do with it but I still like the peace of mind. Also, when you make the appt to draw the blood let them know that they are kids and will be 1st time they've done anything like this. When they did Shaun's they were really nice and he actually told us that it wasn't as bad as we had let him to believe:-) Good luck.

Unfortunately, many young children are experiencing "adult" diseases due to poor nutrition and obesity. The doctors are doing blood work earlier and earlier to start preventative treatments if needed.

My guess is that the new doctor would like a "big picture" of each child's health profile to start with. I'm not sure why the 12 yr old wouldn't need it unless your insurance has "benchmark" ages.

**Schedule the bloodwork for early in the morning and then take them for a bite to eat right after!**

Making a 4 year old fast for 8 hours is like making an elephant tap dance. WHAT ARE THEY EXPECTING??

I don't think a 4 year old fasting is anything to worry about. Just like with surgery they will schedule for first thing in the morning so the little kids don't have to go so long without food. When my son had tubes done he couldn't eat for 8 hours and it was no big deal. Just have snacks ready for right after.

I guess I can see why they would want a baseline for everything. I don't know, we didn't have to have it done when I switched pediatricians. It seems odd that they wouldn't want your 12 year old to have it done if they're asking that the other kids do. I think I would call a few different doctor's offices and see if it's the norm.
You did say they were suggesting, not demanding. If you don't feel comfortable with it, don't have it done!

Chances are the fasting isn't going to be a huge deal, even for the 4 year old. They should schedule the blood draw for first thing in the morning. The only meal they'll miss will be a breakfast. They can eat immediately after the test. So, it will be a late breakfast not even a missed breakfast.

I don't think my peds have EVER asked to do a full blood workup on my kids for no specific reason. I really don't know what to tell you. Did you ask the doc why they recommend this? If you decide to do it (and given the choice, I probably would, it can't hurt to know their numbers), make sure you schedule the blood draw for first thing in the morning so your 4yr old doesn't freak out from hunger. Your kids will be fasting while they sleep, then get them up, throw clothes on and go get the blood drawn. I'd be curious to know how this turns out...

Fasting is no big deal my youngest did perfectly fine last summer when he had surgery. Some people need to get a grip!

I think they should do routine blood work on children especially if there is anything that runs in the family. I'd rather detect a problem before it becomes a big problem.

When we started with a new practice I didn't have to have blood work done for my kids , and we had moved here from England , they were happy with my kids medical records and they had to have a few shots so they were able to go to school. I think this practice may be seeing the $$$$$!

Personally I don't think it's necessary if you have their full records and they have had no previous issues/illnesses and you have not visited anywhere unusual recently.

The doctor's office is suggesting this for a number of reasons, none of which are to make money. Have you seen an insurance reimbursement form? They will bill say $100, and the insurance will pay them $15. Believe me, they are not making money off this! As a new practice, they need baseline info to compare to later tests. They may be able to get your kids' info from the former doctor's office, but if they've never had these tests, they need somewhere to start from. Plus the lead testing alone is worth the effort it takes. I'm not sure about the fasting part, my 7 year old has never fasted for a blood test, but I do know that when they get older, they start running different types of tests than when they are little. Some things are not a problem when children are very young, but can be apparent as they get older. I wouldn't worry about one set of tests, but if they don't find anything, they probably won't do them but every few years. Any more often and I'd ask why if I were you. Best wishes!

The clinic is making lots of money off of this. I wouldn't do it. Unless you have concerns about their health, tests are unnecessary.

they want and expect a four year old to fast, please. sounds to me the doctor is trying to make his next bmw payment on your dime. if you stay with this doctor, dont be surprised if he continues to come up with things to test your kids for.lead based paint was only used on houses and other structures build before the very early 1970s.and there is no reason at all to test a 4 year old for cholesterol, a teenager who has a family history of high cholesterol, and whos entire diet is french fries, onion rings and burgers, ok, that i can see. but a 4 and 10 year old, no.
K. h.