Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology

Getting Ready to have a Bone Marrow Transplant

What kind of tests will my child have?

Before your child has a BMT, many tests will be done. These are needed to be sure your child can physically and mentally handle a bone marrow transplant. Once the tests are completed, treatment can be started.

These tests may make you and your child feel very anxious. Please share your concerns or questions with your child's health care team at any time. After all these tests are done, the doctor will discuss the results with you and your child. The caregivers and patient will read a consent from before the transplant process can begin. You and your child, if old enough, must sign the consent form before your child begins treatment. The tests your child will have include:

 

• Physical exam: The health care team will do a physical exam on your child. A health history will be taken to find out more about all of your child's health problems.
• Blood tests: Samples of your child's blood will be drawn and tested to see how well your child's liver, kidneys, and other parts of your child's body function.
• Chest x-ray: A chest x-ray will show if your child's lungs have an infection. If an infection is found, it will be treated before the BMT is done.
• Computerized Axial Tomography (CT or CAT Scan): A CT scan will look at your child's head, sinuses, chest and abdominal area. If an infection is found, it will be treated before the BMT is done. A CT or CAT scan may also be used to make special shields. These shields are used to protect your child's lungs, liver, and kidneys from high doses of radiation if your child receives total body irradiation.
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): A GFR is done to see how well the kidneys are working. This is done by first injecting a dye into the blood. Three different blood samples are taken after a few hours have passed. The blood samples are tested to see how the kidney's work. Sometimes a 24-hour urine collection may be used in place of the GFR.
• Dental Exam: Your child's mouth will be checked by a dentist for any cavities or problems that may cause an infection. Any problems will be treated before the BMT.
• Eye Exam: Your child's eyes will be checked by an eye doctor. Then your child will be checked each year to be sure vision remains good.
• Echocardiogram (ECHO): An ECHO looks at how your child's heart is working.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT): These tests will show how well your child's lungs are working. If your child is 4-years-old or younger, a PFT may not be done.
• Physical Therapy (PT): The physical therapist will check to see how strong your child's muscles are. Your child will receive physical therapy while in the hospital
• Psychological Testing: Tests will be done to see how your child thinks and reasons. Any concerns or issues about bone marrow transplants will be discussed. Help will be provided if needed.
• Dietary Consultation: The dietician will help you and your child learn more about the bone marrow transplant diet to be followed before and after the BMT. This diet will help your child get all the vitamins and nutrients needed.
• Bone Marrow Aspirate (BMA): Sometimes a small amount of bone marrow is removed for testing. This will be done before the transplant. It will also be done after the BMT to see how well the new bone marrow is working.
• Spinal Tap: A spinal tap or lumbar puncture (LP) may be needed before the BMT.
• Radiation Simulation: This is done to prepare your child for treatment. Special shields may be made to protect your child. These shields protect your child's lungs, kidneys and liver during preconditioning. Sometimes shields are used. This can help your child practice the total body irradiation (TBI) so you and your child know what to expect.
• Other: Other tests may be done based on the specific nature of your child's illness.