The Pediatric Outpatient Treatment Area exists to provide specialized child-centered care for children from birth through adolescence. Children are seen in this area for diagnostic testing, treatment and observation generally lasting a few hours, and then are discharged home the same day.

Outpatient procedures frequently performed include:

• Blood and blood product transfusions


• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy


• Bronchoscopy


• Gastroscopy (upper gastrointestinal endoscopy)


• Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy (anoscopy, proctoscopy)


• Endocrine testing


• Lumbar puncture


• pH probe placement for ambulatory esophageal testing

Those who provide care for children in this area include pediatric nurses, pediatricians and sub-specialists. Many frightening and painful procedures can be performed with the child safely anesthesized, under the care of a pediatric anesthesiologist. Child Life Specialists, who are educated in child development, prepare young patients for procedures, use play to help them express their feelings, and provide emotional support to the children and their families. They also provide support and therapeutic distraction during procedures.

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