In another study, that same team of investigators finds that laboratory testing, combined with physical examination findings, contribute significantly to the identification of children with internal abdominal injuries. Missed abdominal injury, which is difficult to diagnose, is a leading cause of preventable death and disability, according to the study. The role of laboratory testing in evaluating pediatric trauma patients has been controversial because it is expensive and the benefits were unknown. However, researchers said the laboratory tests used in this study were accurate, inexpensive and widely available. (Identification of Children with Intra-Abdominal Injuries After Blunt Trauma)
Annals of Emergency Medicine