Pediatric Testing and In-Office Services

Pediatric Testing and In-Office Services in Pineville and Gastonia, NC

When a child is sick or a health concern needs further evaluation, having testing available in the pediatrician’s office can make the process more convenient for families.

Ages & Stages Pediatric Group provides a range of pediatric laboratory tests, screenings, and diagnostic services at our Pineville and Gastonia offices. Depending on your child’s symptoms, age, medical history, and the test required, some results may be available during the visit.

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Pediatric Testing in a Familiar Office

Children may feel more comfortable receiving care in a familiar pediatric office than traveling to a separate laboratory or diagnostic center.

In-office services available through Ages & Stages may include:

  • Rapid strep testing
  • Rapid influenza testing
  • Mononucleosis testing
  • COVID-19 testing when available
  • Urinalysis
  • Hemoglobin testing
  • Blood glucose testing
  • Lipid screening
  • Lead screening
  • Pregnancy testing when medically appropriate
  • Testing for blood in the stool
  • Spot Vision Screening
  • Pulmonary function testing or spirometry
  • Food and environmental allergy testing
  • Ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring
Not every test is appropriate for every child or every set of symptoms. Your child’s provider will determine which testing may be helpful after reviewing the medical history and completing an appropriate examination.
Test availability, specimen requirements, processing times, and insurance coverage may vary. Contact the office if your child needs a particular test or if another healthcare provider has requested testing.

Rapid Testing for Common Childhood Illnesses

Rapid testing can provide useful information when a child has symptoms that could be caused by several different illnesses.

Rapid Strep Testing

A rapid strep test may be used when a child has symptoms that could indicate group A streptococcal throat infection.

These symptoms may include:

  • Sore throat
  • Painful swallowing
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Red or swollen tonsils
  • White patches on the tonsils
  • A fine, sandpaper-like rash
  • Headache, stomachache, nausea, or vomiting

The test requires a swab of the throat and tonsil area. A positive result may help the provider determine whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate.

A negative rapid test does not identify every case of strep throat. Depending on the child’s age, symptoms, examination, and type of test used, an additional throat culture or other testing may be recommended.

Mononucleosis Testing

Testing for infectious mononucleosis may be considered when an older child or adolescent has:

  • A severe or persistent sore throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fever
  • Significant tiredness
  • Enlarged tonsils
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Symptoms that are not improving as expected

The timing of the test matters because some tests may not detect infection early in the illness. Additional laboratory testing or follow-up may be recommended when mononucleosis remains a concern despite an initial negative result.

Children diagnosed with mononucleosis may need temporary restrictions from contact sports or strenuous activity. The provider will explain when returning to activity may be appropriate.

Rapid Influenza Testing

Influenza testing may be considered when a child has symptoms such as:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Significant tiredness
  • Sudden onset of illness

Rapid influenza tests can help identify influenza A or B, but no rapid test detects every infection. A negative result does not always rule out influenza, particularly when flu is circulating in the community and the child’s symptoms are strongly suggestive.

The provider will interpret the result together with the child’s symptoms, medical risks, examination findings, and how long the child has been ill.

COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Testing

COVID-19 testing may be available based on current supplies, symptoms, exposure, and medical need.

Testing options for respiratory illnesses can change over time. Contact the office before the appointment if your child specifically requires COVID-19 testing for illness, school, travel, an activity, or another purpose.

A respiratory test result is only one part of the evaluation. The provider will also consider the child’s breathing, hydration, temperature, medical history, and overall appearance.

Urine Testing

Urinalysis examines a urine sample for findings that may help evaluate:

  • Pain or burning with urination
  • Frequent urination
  • New urinary accidents
  • Abdominal or back pain
  • Fever without an obvious source
  • Possible urinary tract infection
  • Blood in the urine
  • Dehydration
  • Glucose or protein in the urine
  • Certain kidney or metabolic concerns
Collecting a clean urine sample can be difficult for infants and young children. The appropriate collection method depends on the child’s age, symptoms, toilet-training status, and the information the provider needs.
An in-office urinalysis may provide useful preliminary information. A urine culture or additional laboratory evaluation may still be necessary.

In-Office Blood and Screening Tests

Ages & Stages offers several tests that use a small blood sample. The method used depends on the test, the child’s age, and the amount of blood required.

Hemoglobin Testing

Hemoglobin testing may be used to screen for anemia or investigate symptoms such as unusual tiredness, weakness, pale skin, dietary concerns, or a history of low iron.

An abnormal screening result may require additional bloodwork to determine the cause and guide treatment.

Blood Glucose Testing

A blood glucose test measures the amount of glucose in the blood at that moment.

Testing may be considered when a child has symptoms such as:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • New bed-wetting
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Vomiting or abdominal pain
  • A medical condition requiring glucose monitoring

A single in-office glucose result does not necessarily establish a diagnosis. Abnormal findings may require urgent assessment or additional laboratory testing.

Pregnancy Testing

Pregnancy testing may be medically appropriate when an adolescent has missed periods, abdominal or pelvic symptoms, unexpected bleeding, symptoms that could be related to pregnancy, or needs treatment that requires pregnancy status to be known.

Adolescent care is handled respectfully and privately within the limits of applicable law, safety requirements, and medical necessity. The provider can explain confidentiality and parental involvement during the visit.

Lead Screening

Lead exposure can affect a child’s development, learning, and health without causing obvious early symptoms.

Lead screening may be recommended based on:

  • The child’s age
  • Preventive-care guidelines
  • The age or condition of the home
  • Possible exposure to deteriorating paint
  • Family or household exposure
  • Imported products, pottery, spices, cosmetics, or remedies
  • Previous screening results
  • Other individual risk factors

An elevated screening result may need confirmation through a separate venous blood sample.

Lipid Screening

A lipid panel measures fats in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides.

Screening may be recommended at particular ages or earlier when a child has individual risk factors such as:

  • A family history of early cardiovascular disease
  • A parent with significantly elevated cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Certain kidney, inflammatory, or metabolic conditions
  • A previous abnormal lipid result

Some lipid testing may require fasting, while other screening does not. Follow the instructions provided when scheduling the test.

Stool Blood Testing

Testing for hidden blood in stool may occasionally be used when a provider is evaluating gastrointestinal symptoms or suspected bleeding.

Visible blood, black or tar-like stool, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, weakness, or signs of significant blood loss require prompt medical evaluation. An in-office stool test does not replace a complete gastrointestinal assessment.

Spot Vision Screening

Young children may not be able to read an eye chart or explain that they are having trouble seeing.

Spot Vision Screening is an instrument-based screening that evaluates the eyes for risk factors associated with certain vision problems. It may help identify concerns involving:

  • Nearsightedness
  • Farsightedness
  • Astigmatism
  • Unequal focusing between the eyes
  • Eye misalignment
  • Other risk factors for amblyopia, sometimes called lazy eye
The screening is quick, noninvasive, and can often be performed without requiring the child to identify letters or shapes.
A vision screening is not a complete eye examination and does not provide a final diagnosis. If the child does not pass the screening or has concerning symptoms, referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist or optometrist may be recommended.

Parents should tell the provider if they have noticed:

  • Squinting
  • Frequent eye rubbing
  • Sitting unusually close to screens
  • Closing or covering one eye
  • Headaches with reading
  • Difficulty tracking words
  • Eyes that appear to cross or drift
  • A white or unusual pupil reflection
  • A family history of significant childhood eye problems

Pulmonary Function Testing and Spirometry

Pulmonary function testing helps evaluate how well a child’s lungs move air. Spirometry measures how much air the child can exhale and how quickly it can be blown out.

Testing may be useful when evaluating:

  • Asthma
  • Recurring wheezing
  • Chronic coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Exercise-related breathing symptoms
  • Response to asthma treatment
  • Unexplained limitations during activity
The child will be asked to take a deep breath and blow into a testing device as forcefully and completely as possible. The test may need to be repeated several times to obtain reliable measurements.
Spirometry requires cooperation and effort. Some younger children may not yet be able to follow the instructions well enough to produce an interpretable result.
A normal result does not always exclude asthma, particularly when the child is not experiencing symptoms at the time of testing. Results are interpreted together with the medical history, symptom pattern, examination, and response to treatment.
Learn About Pediatric Asthma Care

Food and Environmental Allergy Testing

Allergy testing may be considered when a child has symptoms or a medical history suggesting a possible food or environmental allergy.

Concerns may include:

  • Recurrent hives
  • Itching or swelling
  • Nasal congestion or sneezing
  • Seasonal allergy symptoms
  • Eczema associated with suspected triggers
  • Coughing or wheezing after an exposure
  • A suspected reaction to a food
  • Ongoing symptoms around pets, pollen, mold, or dust
Allergy testing must be interpreted in the context of the child’s actual symptoms. A positive result may indicate sensitization but does not always prove that a particular allergen is causing the child’s symptoms.
Broad testing without a clear medical reason can produce confusing results and unnecessary food restrictions. Your child’s provider will determine whether testing is appropriate and whether referral to an allergy specialist is needed.
Call 911 immediately if a child develops difficulty breathing, severe wheezing, throat tightness, widespread hives with other symptoms, repeated vomiting after a suspected exposure, fainting, or another sign of a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Ambulatory Electrocardiogram Monitoring

An ambulatory electrocardiogram records the heart’s electrical activity while a child goes about normal daily activities.

Unlike a standard electrocardiogram, which records the heart rhythm for a short period in the office, an ambulatory monitor collects information over a longer period. This may increase the likelihood of recording an intermittent symptom.

Monitoring may be considered when a child experiences:

  • Palpitations
  • A racing or irregular heartbeat
  • Unexplained dizziness
  • Fainting or near-fainting
  • Episodic symptoms that do not occur during an office examination
  • Another concern involving heart rhythm
Not every child with chest discomfort, dizziness, or palpitations needs ambulatory monitoring. The provider will review the symptoms, medical history, family heart history, medications, and examination before recommending testing.
Some children should be evaluated directly by a pediatric cardiologist. Ambulatory monitoring also cannot rule out every heart condition.
Call 911 for fainting during exercise, severe chest pain, significant difficulty breathing, a sustained rapid heartbeat accompanied by weakness or faintness, or another potentially life-threatening symptom.

Understanding Pediatric Test Results

A test result should never be interpreted entirely by itself.

Your child’s provider considers:

  • The reason the test was ordered
  • The child’s age and medical history
  • Current symptoms
  • Examination findings
  • When the specimen was collected
  • The accuracy and limitations of the test
  • Previous results
  • Medications or treatments already used
  • Whether confirmatory testing is needed

A negative result does not always rule out an illness. A positive screening result does not always establish a final diagnosis.

Depending on the findings, the provider may recommend:

  • Treatment
  • Observation at home
  • A follow-up visit
  • Repeat testing
  • A specimen sent to an outside laboratory
  • Imaging
  • Emergency evaluation
  • Referral to a pediatric specialist

How to Prepare Your Child for Testing

Simple, honest preparation can reduce fear.

Tell your child what will happen using language appropriate for their age. Avoid promising that a test will not hurt. Instead, explain that it may feel uncomfortable briefly and that you will remain nearby whenever possible.

Before the appointment:

  • Follow any fasting or medication instructions
  • Encourage fluids unless instructed otherwise
  • Bring current medications and medical devices
  • Bring previous laboratory or specialist results
  • Write down when symptoms began
  • Record recent fevers or symptom patterns
  • Tell the office about the particular test being requested
  • Ask whether a urine, stool, or other specimen will be needed
  • Tell the team if your child has previously fainted during blood collection
  • Bring comforting items for younger children

Do not collect a specimen at home unless the office has provided instructions and an appropriate container. Incorrect collection or storage can make a result unreliable.

Testing at Our Pineville and Gastonia Offices

Ages & Stages Pediatric Group provides pediatric testing, screening, and diagnostic services for families in Pineville, South Charlotte, Gastonia, and surrounding communities.

The tests performed depend on the child’s symptoms, examination, age, medical history, and the provider’s clinical judgment. Some tests or procedures may require a separate appointment, advance preparation, outside laboratory processing, or referral.

Contact the office before your visit if another provider, school, camp, or organization has requested a specific test.

Pineville Pediatric Office

Our Pineville office provides in-office testing and pediatric evaluation for families throughout Pineville, Ballantyne, South Charlotte, Fort Mill, Indian Land, Matthews, and nearby communities.

Select Saturday appointments are available through the Pineville office based on scheduling.

980-498-3900

View the Pineville Office

Gastonia Pediatric Office

Our Gastonia office provides in-office testing and pediatric evaluation for families throughout Gastonia, Belmont, Mount Holly, Cramerton, Dallas, Bessemer City, Kings Mountain, and surrounding communities.

704-317-7405

View the Gastonia Office

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Schedule an appointment based on your child’s symptoms or concern. The provider will determine whether testing is needed after reviewing the history and examining your child.

If another provider, school, camp, or organization has specifically requested a test, tell the office when scheduling and bring the written request.

Some rapid and point-of-care results may be available during the visit. Other specimens may need additional processing or may be sent to an outside laboratory.

The office will explain how and when results are expected.

No. A negative result means that the particular test did not detect what it was designed to identify. Timing, specimen quality, and the limitations of the test can affect the result.

The provider will interpret the result together with your child’s symptoms and examination.

Antibiotics treat certain bacterial infections and do not treat viruses. The provider will decide whether an antibiotic is medically appropriate based on the evaluation and available test results.

Unnecessary antibiotics can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

That depends on the test, the reason it was ordered, the documentation provided, and whether the office has the necessary equipment and supplies.

Contact the office before the appointment and provide the written order or request.

An appointment or provider evaluation may be required. Some tests require advance preparation, a specific collection time, or a discussion of symptoms before the specimen is collected.

Call the appropriate office for current scheduling instructions.

Test availability may vary by location, staffing, supplies, equipment, and the type of appointment. Contact the Pineville or Gastonia office before scheduling if your child needs a specific test or procedure.

Coverage depends on the insurance plan, reason for testing, and specific service performed. Testing may be billed separately from the office visit.

Families should contact their insurance company for plan-specific information.

An abnormal screening result does not always establish a diagnosis. The provider may repeat the test, order more detailed laboratory work, recommend monitoring, or refer your child to a specialist.

Some screenings may be completed during a school, sports, or well-child examination when medically appropriate and arranged in advance.

Tests requested solely by a school, camp, sports organization, or outside program may have different requirements or insurance coverage.

Schedule Pediatric Testing or an In-Office Evaluation

Convenient in-office testing can help families move from symptoms and uncertainty toward an appropriate treatment or follow-up plan.

Ages & Stages Pediatric Group provides pediatric laboratory tests, vision screening, pulmonary function testing, allergy evaluation, ambulatory cardiac monitoring, and other in-office services at our Pineville and Gastonia pediatric offices.

Call the appropriate office or request an appointment online. If your child needs a particular test, mention it when scheduling so the team can confirm availability and preparation instructions.

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Medical Disclaimer:

This information is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace an individualized medical evaluation. Testing recommendations, availability, limitations, and follow-up needs vary according to the child and clinical situation. Call 911 for a severe or life-threatening emergency.