infants These tests are discussed elsewhere in this book. Other tests may be done if the doctor suspects that there may be a problem. Each physical examination your child has will vary, depending on the child's age, stage of development, and state of health. During the first six months, the doctor will be giving particular attention to the baby's growth and development, including how well the baby is learning to move and control his or her muscles. The doctor will also check to be sure that the hips are properly developed and will listen for heart murmurs, which may be normal or may indicate heart problems. The doctor will take the pulse at the baby's groin (the femoral pulse) to be sure that there is no obstruction to blood flow in the aorta (the main artery of the body). The baby's developing language skills are also an important part of growth, and the doctor will ask about progress in that area. After the age of about six months, the child may begin to be afraid of the doctor. The child may cry and be actively uncooperative. This will, of course, make the physical examination and conversation more difficult for the doctor, but a doctor who deals with children every day knows what to expect. You can help make the examination go more smoothly by trying to reassure or distract your child. If the combined efforts of you and the doctor fail, the doctor will get as much information as possible under the circumstances. THE PARENT'S ROLE Especially with younger children and babies, you will play an important role in the examination. Most of the time, the doctor will want you to be present. Your presence has two main purposes: you can learn about your child's health, and you can comfort and reassure your child during the examination. An infant is often examined on the parent's lap, and you may also be asked to help with measuring the child and taking his or her temperature. If you have questions during the examination, be sure to ask them, even if you think they may sound silly or feel that you ought to know the answers already. Part of the doctor's job is answering your questions. The more you know about how to care for your child, the better off both you and your child will be. You will, after all, be responsible for carrying out the doctor's instructions when your child is sick. The doctor needs you to be well informed. Medical tests Doctors use laboratory tests to identify illnesses, to determine what organisms are causing a problem, and to learn how serious a disease may be. Laboratory tests are used by doctors to help identify illnesses, to determine what particular type of infectious organism is causing a problem, and to learn how serious a disease may be. Some procedures can be performed right in the doctor's office; others must be done in a laboratory, where more complex equipment is available. Some common tests and procedures are described here. URINALYSIS Urinalysis means analysis of a specimen of urine (the liquid form of body waste). incubation