Peirson Center for Children
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At the Peirson Center, our goal is to understand each child as completely as possible from the very beginning. Many of the concerns families bring to us - growth challenges, developmental delays, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid issues, immune dysfunction, digestive problems, behavioral changes - are closely connected to underlying biochemical patterns. Laboratory testing helps us identify these patterns early, so your child’s first appointment can be more productive and personalized.
Starting with up-to-date labs allows us to:
  • Identify nutrient deficiencies or imbalances that may be affecting energy, mood, speech, sleep, or development
  • Evaluate thyroid function accurately, which is essential for growth, cognition, and metabolic health
  • Assess inflammation, immune status, and metabolic markers that guide safe and effective treatment
  • Reduce delays in care by allowing us to begin building a targeted plan at the very first visit
  • Avoid unnecessary or repeated blood draws later, especially for children who find phlebotomy challenging
Having this information ahead of time ensures that our time together is focused on solutions, not guesswork. It helps us create a clear, individualized path forward for your child from day one.

To make your child’s first appointment as efficient and productive as possible, we often recommend completing certain laboratory tests ahead of time. After reviewing your child’s new-patient application, we determine which labs will be most helpful. Ideally, lab results should be recent - drawn within the two months prior to the appointment.

For children with Down syndrome, we commonly request a specific set of labs listed below, though additional testing may be recommended based on your child’s age, history, and the information provided in the application.
  • TSH
  • free T4
  • free T3
  • reverse T3
  • CBC with differential
  • ferritin

*Please be sure the technicians at the service center fax results to our office at (503) 894-6048. 

If you would like information to take to your doctor to help convince him/her to order labs these articles may help:


CRACKING THE CODE FOR THYROID HORMONE SIGNALING

Laboratory Testing in Thyroid Conditions - Pitfalls and Clinical Utility

Essential Lab Tests for Children with Down Syndrome

If you are paying out-of-pocket for labs we suggest you order them yourself through our Lab Services.

Thank you for taking the time to prepare your child’s labs. Having recent, relevant results ensures we can make best use of your time and hit the ground running at your first visit. If you have any questions about the required tests or need help coordinating with your pediatric provider or draw facility, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We look forward to working with your family.

This web site offers health, wellness, and nutritional information and is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. The use of any information provided on this web site is solely at your own risk. Nothing stated or posted on this website by The Peirson Center for Children are intended to be, and must not be taken to be, the practice of medicine. Information provided on this website does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any doctor affiliated with our web site. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

©  2023. Peirson Center for Children. All rights reserved
8100 W. Marigold St. #140611
Garden City, ID 83714