Labs / Blood Work

A sample of blood is usually taken with a syringe and sent to a lab for testing during your annual visit, or more often as needed. The sample(s) of your blood will be checked for things such as:
  • Vitamin levels
  • Indicators of liver disease
  • Indicators of diabetes
  • Indicators of infections
  • How your body is responding to an infection
  • Whether you have the right amount of certain medications in your system
  • Side effects from medications

The sample(s) will be analyzed by your CF care team. These results will help your team determine if your treatment plan should change or if you should come in for a follow-up visit. A member of your care team might share the results with you by phone or during a later visit. If your results are normal, you may not hear from your care team at all. You can also access results in your MyAtrium account. Regardless, if you have any questions about when your test results will come in, what your test results are or what they mean, you can always contact your care team.

This can be a scary time for children but there is help available. If you have concerns speak with the doctor or technician. Child Life Specialists are available upon request to help calm your child and/or provide distractions during the procedure. 

Lab Procedure at LCH

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Our CF Care Team has been working with the lab department to make blood draws easier and safer for CF patients. Upon request, the lab department will come to your room at the end of your clinic visits, decreasing the risk of cross contamination among other CF patients. 

What is a Child Life Specialist?

A Child Life Specialist is a professional trained to work with children in medical settings. Each specialist has a bachelor's or master's degree in the areas of child life, child development, education or a related field. Certified Child Life specialists must successfully complete an internship and pass the certification exam. All Child Life specialists at Levine Children's Hospital are certified by the Child Life Council.

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Charlotte CF Families website and CF Family Advisory Board are operated by local CF families with the guidance of the Atrium Health Cystic Fibrosis Program. No advice or recommendations on this page should be taken above that of your CF Care Team. Every person with CF is different. The advice and suggestions on this page are simply a guide to help families feel connected and informed. 
Last Published November2020 
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