Endocrine testing

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Your child is scheduled for an endocrine test at Children's Minnesota.

Name of test: _______________________________

Date: _______________________________

Time: _______________________________

Please check in 15 minutes before scheduled for registration. Bring a list of your child's medicines and your insurance card with you.

___ Children's – Minneapolis
Welcome Center, 1st or 2nd floor
2525 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404

___ Children's – St. Paul
Welcome Center, 1st floor
345 North Smith Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102

___ Children's – St. Paul
Endocrine/Diabetes Clinic
Garden View Building, Suite 404
345 North Smith Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102

Why does my child need the test?

The test will help your doctor find out how well your child's endocrine system is working. The endocrine system is composed of glands that secrete hormones, which help regulate body processes such as metabolism, growth, development, reproduction, and resistance to disease.

Can I be with my child during the test?

You are welcome to stay with your child during the test. It will take about ___ hour(s).

How should I prepare my child?

Read and discuss this information with your child. Explain how the test is done, especially what your child will see, hear, and feel. Answer as many questions as you can.

Children and young adults of all ages may want to bring a comfort item such as their own blanket, to help with relaxation. Younger children may also find it helpful to bring a favorite toy or pacifier. Older children and teens may want to bring a favorite video or music.

You will be told if you should stop any medicines before the test. PLEASE LET US KNOW if your child has started any new medications before the testing day. Follow the checked instructions:

___ Your child should not eat or drink anything except water after ________________ on the night before the test. The test may be cancelled if your child eats or drinks anything other than water before the test.

___ During the test, only water or sugar-free beverages are allowed.

___ Your child can eat and drink as usual.

How is the test done?

An IV (small tube in a vein) will be put in so several blood samples can be tested. To help decrease discomfort when the IV is put in, anesthetic cream may be used. Anesthetic cream makes the skin numb. It must be put on at least 30 to 60 minutes before the test. You may be instructed to apply the cream before bringing your child in for the test. If so, you will need a prescription for it. For instructions about how to apply it, see the education sheet "Anesthetic (numbing) cream."

A medicine will be given into the IV. The medicine will travel through the body and cause it to make hormones. After the medicine is given, blood is taken from the IV several times to check for the amount of hormones in the body.

Before and after the test, the nurse will check the vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and breathing). For some tests this will need to be done more often.

What are the side effects of the medicines?

Name of medicine	Side effects your child may have or feel:
Aqueous Lupron	swelling, high blood pressure, dizzy, headache, emotional changes, large amount of sugar in the blood, injection site reaction, feeling warm, sweating, flushing
Arginine	vein pain, flushing, upset stomach, throwing up, headache, local numbness, blood in the urine
Clonidine	drowsy, lightheaded, dizzy, headache, dry mouth, upset stomach, throwing up, dry eyes, blood in the urine
Cosyntropin	possible allergic reaction – rash, hives, difficulty breathing, urticaria, anaphylaxis (rare)
Glucose	large amount of sugar in the blood, if diabetic
Semorelin (geref)	injection site pain, flushing, upset stomach, throwing up, taste change, headache

What can we expect after the test?

After checking with the doctor, the nurse will take the IV out. Encourage your child to eat and drink. Your child may feel a little sleepy for a few hours after getting home. Encourage quiet activity or rest for the first 2 to 4 hours after the test.

___ For children who received clonidine:

This medicine can make your child feel dizzy and weak. Be sure to help your child when walking and using the bathroom on the day of the test. If feeling dizzy or lightheaded, your child should sit or lie down right away. If fainting does occur:

1. Lay your child flat with legs raised for 5 minutes or until conscious.
2. Lower the legs and keep your child flat for 5 more minutes.
3. Sit your child up for 5 minutes.
4. Help your child stand up. Stay close and give support while up.

No active play (running, jumping, biking) swimming, team or contact sports, school, or daycare on the day of the test.

What else do I need to know?

The clinic will call you with the results or send a letter within 3 to 4 weeks. If you have not received the results after 4 weeks, please call the clinic.

Questions?

This sheet is not specific to your child but provides general information. For questions about why your child is being tested, please ask your child's doctor. If you have questions about the test or how to prepare your child, please call: ___________________

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