Methodological approaches for childrens health studies

Examples of commonly used clinical tools or tests that may be appropriate for children s health issues are summarized in Table 8. This table underscores the utility in evaluating children s overall health status rather than restricted focus on specific organ systems, except for circumstances when a particular exposure or health concern exists for a defined study population. 

Immune Blood tests Antibody response to immunization (humoral immunity) serum concentrations of immunoglobulin subtypes (humoral immunity) 

Respiratory Lung function Spirometry and pulmonary function testing (measurements of lung volumes and flow rates) peak expiratory flow rate measurements (can be done in field with inexpensive hand-held meters) 

Haematopoietic Blood tests Complete blood count (red and white blood cell indices and platelets) measurement of clotting factors, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time 

Cardiovascular Blood tests Serum lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides) 

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