Lab Services

The Pediatric Lab Services at El Paso Children’s Hospital are there to support our doctors and nurses in making the most informed medical decisions to provide the best care for your child.

El Paso Children’s Hospital Outpatient Laboratories specialize in pediatric phlebotomy and are dedicated to making your child’s experience as comfortable as possible. Our team of lab assistants is trained and experienced in pediatric phlebotomy techniques and pain management.

  • Blood Samples
  • Urine Samples
  • Spinal Fluid Samples
  • Biopsy Samples
  • Transfusion Medicine
  • Frozen Section Room for Operating Room Samples
  • Fine Needle Aspirates
  • Genetic Testing
  • Neonatal Bilirubin Test
  • Chemistries and Hemoglobin/Hematocrit Testings

Lab Services Available:

  • Blood Samples
  • Urine Samples
  • Spinal Fluid Samples
  • Biopsy Samples
  • Transfusion Medicine
  • Frozen Section Room for Operating Room Samples
  • Fine Needle Aspirates
  • Genetic Testing
  • Neonatal Bilirubin Test
  • Chemistries and Hemoglobin/Hematocrit Testings

Laboratory procedures can be scary for a child. Our dedicated lab assistants are well trained in pediatric phlebotomy techniques and are skilled in handling the special needs of children. We manage your child’s pain by using a variety of age-appropriate methods and practices.

Sweat Chloride Testing is available at our Outpatient Lab and an appointment is required. Testing can be scheduled for Wednesday at 7:30 am to 1:00 pm. To make an appointment, please call 915-242-8382 Monday – Friday during our regular business hours of 7:00 am – 5:00 pm. Sweat Chloride testing has been used for diagnosing Cystic Fibrosis (CF) for more than 50 years and remains the gold standard. For more information, please talk to our staff or your physician.

Important things to know before coming for a Sweat Chloride Test:

  • You must have an appointment.
  • The patient should drink a lot of fluids for at least 8 hours before the procedure and eat regular meals.
  • Do not use any creams or lotions on the skin for at least 24 hours before the procedure.
  • If the patient is sick with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, it is better to reschedule the testing.
  • The patient should take their medication as usual.
  • You should arrive 15 minutes early to be registered.
  • You will need one parent’s photo ID and your insurance card.
  • The procedure will take approximately 60-90 minutes.
  • If you are late for your appointment, you may have to wait an extended period of time or be asked to reschedule.

You may drop off urine and stool specimens you collect at home. Make sure your specimens are labeled with Patient Name, Date of Birth, Date of Collection, Time of Collection, and Name of Person who collected the specimen(s). Specimens can be dropped off from Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday from 7:30 am – 12:00 pm at the Outpatient Laboratory. If you need to drop off specimens at any other time please contact the lab for special considerations. 915-242-8382

Staff

  • Daniel Bustamante MD
    Medical Director