Blood Testing, Strep Tests, RSV Tests & More in Ottumwa, Iowa
In-Office Testing That Gets You Answers Fast
When your child is sick, and you're not sure what's going on, waiting days for test results is the last thing you want to do. The faster your provider can identify what's causing your child's symptoms, the faster they can start the right treatment. That's why having access to in-office lab testing at your child's regular pediatric practice makes such a difference. You get answers during the same visit, without being sent to a separate lab across town.
At All Ages Pediatrics in Ottumwa, Iowa, Dr. Eric Dodson and our team offer a full range of in-office diagnostic testing for children and teens. Whether your child comes in for a sick visit , a routine wellness exam , or a follow-up appointment, we can run many of the most common tests right here in our office and have results ready before you leave.
Request an appointment at All Ages Pediatrics today!
Strep Throat Tests, Flu Testing, Lead Testing & More
Available Tests at All Ages Pediatrics
Lab testing uses samples from your child's blood, urine, or other sources to give your provider a clearer picture of what's going on inside the body. Some tests are ordered during routine well-child visits as part of standard preventive screening. Others are ordered during sick visits to help your provider figure out what's causing your child's symptoms so they can make sure your child gets the right treatment, not just the most common one.
At All Ages Pediatrics, we offer a wide range of in-office tests so that most of what your child needs can be handled in a single visit. Here's a closer look at what we offer and why each test matters.
Strep Throat Test
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a sore, scratchy throat and often comes with fever and swollen lymph nodes. It can look a lot like a regular cold or viral sore throat, but it requires antibiotic treatment to clear up, which is why getting a strep throat test near you matters. We can run a rapid strep test right here in our office and have results within minutes so your child gets the right care the same day.
Flu Testing
Influenza and a bad cold can feel very similar at first, but the flu tends to come on faster and hit harder. Knowing whether your child actually has the flu helps your provider make better decisions about treatment and gives you a clearer picture of what to expect at home. If you've been wondering when to worry about flu in your child or whether what they have is actually influenza, an in-office flu test can give you a definitive answer quickly.
RSV Test
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is one of the most common causes of respiratory illness in young children, especially infants and toddlers. It can range from mild cold-like symptoms to more serious breathing difficulty in very young or vulnerable kids. A rapid RSV test helps your provider confirm whether RSV is the cause of your child's symptoms and determine how closely they need to be monitored.
Viral PCR Testing
PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. It's a highly accurate type of test that detects the genetic material of a virus or other pathogen in a sample. A PCR test is more sensitive than many rapid tests, meaning it's less likely to miss an infection that's present. We use viral PCR testing when a more precise result is needed, such as for COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses.
Blood Testing
Blood tests can tell your provider a lot about your child's overall health. We offer several types of in-office blood testing, including:
- Lipid profile blood test, which checks cholesterol and other fats in the blood, and is often ordered as part of a routine wellness screening for older children and teens
- Hemoglobin test, which checks for anemia, a condition where the blood doesn't carry enough oxygen
- Lead poisoning test, which screens for elevated lead levels in the blood, particularly in young children who may have been exposed through older paint, soil, or other environmental sources
Urinalysis
A urinalysis, or urine examination test, looks at a sample of your child's urine to check for signs of infection, kidney problems, or other conditions. It's one of the most common tests ordered during routine wellness visits and is also used when a child has symptoms that might point to a urinary tract infection, such as frequent urination, pain, or burning. A UTI is very treatable, but it does need to be identified accurately first.
Pregnancy Testing
Pregnancy testing is available as part of our adolescent health services and is offered in a confidential, judgment-free environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is in-office testing better than going to a separate lab?
When testing happens right here at All Ages Pediatrics, your provider gets the results during your visit and can act on them immediately. There's no waiting a day or two for results to come back, no second trip to a separate facility, and no gap between the diagnosis and the treatment plan. For parents with busy schedules and kids who just want to feel better, getting everything handled in one place makes a real difference. It also means your child's results go directly into their record, right alongside the rest of their health history.
How does my child's provider decide which tests to order?
Your provider will decide which tests to order based on your child's symptoms, their health history, and what they find during the physical exam. Some tests, like a hemoglobin check or lipid profile blood test, are ordered routinely at certain ages as part of standard wellness screenings. Others, like a strep throat test or rapid RSV test, are ordered when your child comes in sick, and their symptoms point toward a specific diagnosis. You'll always be told what tests are being run and why, and your provider will walk you through the results and what they mean before you leave.
What is a PCR test, and when would my child need one?
PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. It's a type of lab test that detects very small amounts of a virus's genetic material in a sample, making it one of the most accurate diagnostic tools available. Your child's provider might order a viral PCR test when a more precise result is needed, such as when symptoms are unclear, a rapid test has come back negative, but the provider still suspects an infection, or a specific virus like COVID-19 needs to be confirmed. The test itself is simple, and results are typically available quickly.
How do I schedule blood testing near me?
If your child needs lab testing, whether it's part of a routine visit or a sick visit, getting scheduled is easy. You can call our Ottumwa office directly or request an appointment online. Our team will make sure your child's visit is as smooth and stress-free as possible, and we'll walk you through any results before you head home. We look forward to seeing you!