Tests & Procedures

Having a blood test can feel scary for some tamariki (children). There are ways you can help your child feel calmer and more confident.

A lung biopsy helps doctors diagnose and manage lung problems. Learn more about what a lung biopsy involves.

Flexible bronchoscopy helps doctors diagnose and manage medical conditions that affect the airways. Find out more about what a bronchoscopy involves.

A liver biopsy involves taking a very small sample of liver tissue using a needle. The sample will be sent to the lab for testing. Find out more about what is involved in a liver biopsy.

A capsule endoscopy is a procedure that looks inside the digestive tract. Capsule endoscopies help doctors diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Find out more about what a capsule endoscopy involves.

A gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) is a procedure that looks inside the upper part of the digestive tract from the mouth to just beyond the stomach. Gastroscopies help doctors diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Find out more about what a gastroscopy involves.

A colonoscopy (lower endoscopy) is a procedure that looks inside the lower part of the digestive tract (bowel). Colonoscopies help doctors diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Find out more about what a colonoscopy involves.

An oximetry test measures the amount of oxygen in the blood and can be used to assess your child's breathing during sleep. 

The heel prick test is a blood test - it involves collecting a sample of blood from your baby's heel 48 hours after their birth. 

A renal biopsy is a test to help decide what is wrong with your child's kidney. It involves taking a tiny sample of your child's kidney. 

Testing a sample of your child's urine (wee) is the only way to know for sure if they have a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Doctors do a lumbar puncture test to find out if your child has an infection of the lining or the fluid around their brain and spinal cord.

Circumcision is the operation to remove the foreskin. Circumcision is not risk free. It's important to find out about the potential risks as well as potential benefits when considering circumcision.

An intravenous line (IV line) is a short, small plastic tube that the healthcare team may put into your child's vein using a needle. They remove the needle and leave the plastic tube in place so they can use medicines to treat your child.

A sweat test is done to find out if your child has a condition called cystic fibrosis.