Echocardiography is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It shows the heart's chambers, valves, blood flow and pumping, without radiation. In children, it is used to evaluate heart murmurs, suspected congenital heart disease, breathlessness, poor feeding or growth, fainting and some infections.
The child lies still while gel is applied to the chest and a probe is moved over it. Young children may need sedation or distraction with toys or feeding. The scan takes about 20 to 40 minutes, and a cardiologist reviews the images.
How the Procedure Can Help
It detects structural heart problems and guides treatment and follow-up.
Risks and Considerations
The scan is painless and safe. Sedation, if used, carries small risks and is explained beforehand. Not all murmurs are abnormal, and many are harmless.
Electroencephalography records the electrical activity of the brain through small sensors placed on the scalp. In children, it helps assess seizures, staring spells, unexplained loss of awareness and some developmental and sleep concerns.
Hair should be clean and free of oil. Sensors are attached with paste, and the child lies quietly while the recording is made, often with a parent close by. Light flashes and deep breathing may be used, and a recording during sleep may be requested, sometimes after reduced sleep the night before, as advised.
How the Procedure Can Help
It supports the diagnosis of epilepsy and helps choose treatment.
Risks and Considerations
The test is painless and safe. Skin irritation from the paste is possible, and flashing lights can rarely trigger a seizure in a sensitive child. A normal EEG does not exclude epilepsy.
Polysomnography is an overnight test that records breathing, oxygen level, heart rate, brain waves and body movements during sleep. It is used to assess loud snoring, breathing pauses, restless sleep, daytime sleepiness and unusual events in sleep.
The child stays overnight in a sleep room with a parent. Sensors are placed on the head, chest, legs and finger, and a small belt measures breathing. The child sleeps as normally as possible while a technician monitors the recording. Results are reviewed by a specialist and discussed with the family.
How the Procedure Can Help
It confirms sleep apnoea and other sleep disorders and helps guide treatment, such as surgery or breathing support.
Risks and Considerations
The test is painless and safe. Mild skin irritation from the sensors or poor sleep in an unfamiliar room may occur, which can affect the results.
Allergy skin prick testing checks whether a child reacts to common allergens such as dust mites, pollen, moulds, animal dander and certain foods. It is used for children with recurrent sneezing, wheeze, eczema, hives or suspected food reactions.
Small drops of allergen extract are placed on the forearm or back, and the skin is lightly pricked through each drop. After about 15 to 20 minutes, the doctor measures any raised, itchy bumps. Antihistamine medicines must usually be stopped for a few days before the test, as the doctor advises. The test is done where emergency treatment is available.
How the Procedure Can Help
It identifies likely triggers, which helps families avoid them and plan treatment.
Risks and Considerations
Itching and redness at test sites are common and settle quickly. Severe allergic reactions are rare. A positive test does not always mean a clinical allergy, so results are matched with symptoms.
Bone age assessment uses an X-ray of the left hand and wrist to estimate how mature a child's bones are. It is compared with standard images for age and helps evaluate growth problems, early or late puberty, short stature and some hormone conditions.
The child places the hand flat on the X-ray plate, and the image takes seconds. A doctor compares the bones with reference standards. The result is interpreted along with height, growth rate, family heights and examination findings, since bone age alone does not make a diagnosis.
How the Procedure Can Help
It shows how much growth remains and supports the diagnosis of growth and puberty disorders.
Risks and Considerations
The radiation dose is very low. Bone age varies between children, so mild differences may be normal.
