Health Topics

Your child will not be allowed to have anything to eat or drink except water after midnight the night before the test. The test takes about 4 hours so have the child wear comfortable clothing. It would be best if the child wears a short-sleeved shirt to the test.

Explain what will happen to your child in simple terms that the child can understand.

The test will take place in the Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic. When you arrive to clinic, your child will have his/her height and weight measured.

You will then go into a patient room where the IV (intravenous) catheter will be placed. This will be used to give the arginine and to draw the blood samples. Having the IV placed can be a little uncomfortable, but it is done quickly.

The clonidine will be given by mouth in pill form. The clonidine may lower blood pressure and cause your child to become sleepy, so the nurses will measure blood pressure throughout the test.

Your child will be given a menu to order a room service meal to eat after the test. Patients must be awake, able to eat and walk around before being discharged from the clinic. Your child may feel tired the rest of the evening.

Test results will be available 2 weeks after the test is completed. The Endocrinologist will notify you of the results.

There are no dietary restrictions following the test.

Your child may feel tired the evening following the test. He/she may not feel like doing any of his/her usual activities.

Call your child's doctor if you have any medical concerns about your child's condition.