Procedure | Description |
Buccal swab test | Taking mucosal epithelial cells from the inner cheek lining using a small brush. |
MRI scan | MRI of different parts of the body, particularly of the head. The MRI scans lasted between 30 and 60 min and were performed without sedation. |
Pulmonary function test | Regular pulmonary function test that lasted between 15 and 30 min. |
Skin prick test | Children were tested for 20 allergens. A droplet of each allergen was placed on the inner forearm and penetrated through to the skin using a specially modified lancet. |
Ultrasound imaging | Ultrasound imaging used for research purposes was an echocardiogram. For clinical care purposes, ultrasound imaging was particularly an echocardiography and in some cases ultrasounds were made of the lymph nodes, the head or the abdomen. |
Venepuncture | One to three 10 mL tubes of blood were collected. In one of the two studies children could choose to have EMLA-cream* applied before the venepuncture. None of the children had a local anaesthetic. |
Dental check-up | During the dental check-up a general check was carried out, dental plaque was removed and children were given instructions on how to brush their teeth correctly. A new appointment was made for dental caries or other abnormalities. |
* EMLA cream is a local anesthetic. It works by blocking nerves from transmitting painful impulses to the brain.