Laboratory Values for Pediatric Endocrinology

Abstract

This list includes some of the reference ranges laboratory values used most frequently in pediatric endocrinology with standards, sample preparation and sample sizes from Quest Diagnostics/Nichols Institute and Esoterix/Labcorp. Other laboratories perform these tests and a few also have pediatric standards (e.g., ARUP). However, we do not recommend using a laboratory that has not established pediatric standards because the lower detectable limits, or the accurate area of the standard curves of the laboratory, might be well above pediatric values. Laboratories that are set up for pediatric endocrine samples will accept smaller volumes than requested of adult patients. The minimum volumes listed here can be used for smaller children but there may not be a duplicate test available to check results when such small quantities are utilized; consult with the laboratory for details of the most recent collection size, storage, and transport. You must check your results against the standards of the laboratory you choose, as the laboratories recommend, as the reference ranges can change since the time of publication of this book; the following is only a guide.