Ask Dr. Hirsch: Weekly Q&A with Dr. Shari Hirsch, Pediatrician and Lactation Specialist at Lev Pediatric Care

This Week’s Question:

“Why not just run one more test to be sure?”

Dr. Hirsch’s Answer:

As parents, our instinct is powerful: do everything possible to protect our children. So when a child is sick, it’s natural to ask, “Can we just do one more test?”

It sounds reassuring. But in pediatrics, more testing does not always mean better care. Sometimes it can cause harm.

The goal of testing is not “more,” it’s “helpful.”

Every test should answer a clear question. Will it change what we do? Will it improve your child’s outcome? Will it increase safety?

If the answer is no, then the test may not be necessary, even if it feels comforting.

The hidden downsides of extra testing

False positives are common. Tests can show “abnormal” results in healthy children, leading to more blood draws, imaging, referrals, and anxiety.

Testing can trigger a cascade. One slightly abnormal result often leads to another test, and another, creating weeks of worry for something that was never serious.

Some tests carry real risks. CT scans expose children to radiation. Blood tests can be painful. Invasive procedures carry infection and bleeding risks.

And many common childhood illnesses, especially viral ones, simply do not require extensive testing. Time and supportive care are often the treatment.

Why pediatricians recommend watchful waiting

“Let’s watch and wait” is not dismissal. It is an active medical decision based on your child’s age, exam, appearance, and how symptoms are evolving. Observation is often the safest and smartest option.

What parents are often really asking for

When parents ask for another test, they are usually asking for reassurance. They do not want to miss something serious. Those fears are valid and deserve conversation, not automatically more labs.

When testing is appropriate

Additional testing is absolutely the right choice when symptoms are severe, worsening, not following the expected course, or when results would change management. Good care is knowing when to test and when not to.

Bottom line

More testing can feel comforting, but thoughtful restraint often protects children best. Sometimes the most important words are, “Your child looks well, and this is safe to watch.”

That is not doing less. It is doing what is right.

 Dr. Shari Hirsch, MD, specializes in infant feeding, including expert newborn support, lactation guidance, and frenotomy (tongue-tie release). She also offers emotional wellness care, with guidance and medication management for attention, mood, and anxiety support.

Lev Pediatric Care is located at Evergreen Uptown Mall in Pomona. Their hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 am to 7:45 pm, and Friday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Same-day appointments are available. To schedule, call 845-579-5700. They also provide free car service to and from doctor visits.

Have a question for next week’s column? Send it to Lev Pediatric Care, and Dr. Hirsch may feature it in an upcoming Q&A