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Laboratory work-up tests usually are not used to diagnose osteosarcoma; but to provide a baseline measurement of your organ function prior to starting chemotherapy. They are repeated during your treatment to track any changes to your organ function. Lab tests are done by drawing a little bit of blood out of your vein. This can be done by a phlebotomist, who is specifically trained to draw blood from veins by using a needle. During treatment, blood can be drawn without sticking a needle in your arm, because usually a surgeon has placed a central venous catheter into your vein. The catheter is a tube running into a vein, where blood can be directly taken from using a syringe.

Common laboratory tests providing a baseline measurement at diagnosis include:

• Alkaline phosphatase
• Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

Other common laboratory tests include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, magnesium, phosphorus)
• Liver function tests (AST, ALT, bilirubin, albumin)
• Renal function tests (BUN, creatinine)
• Urinalysis

Audiogram

An audiogram is a graphic record of how well a person can hear different sound frequencies. If the graph detects a small range of frequencies, then some hearing loss has occurred.

During chemotherapy a drug called cisplatin is routinely used. One side effect of cisplatin is hearing loss. So, an audiogram is done to detect the extent of hearing loss.

It is recommended to have an audiogram test done before and after chemotherapy treatments.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a test used to determine cardiac function and the strength of the heart. A jelly-like substance is put on the skin, and a wand is used to rub over the jelly, detecting sound waves that are given off from the heart. A computer is then used to create a picture of the heart using the sound waves.

During chemotherapy a drug call doxorubicin is routinely used. One side effect of this drug is an increased risk of heart problems. So, echocardiograms must be routinely done throughout treatment, so the physician can keep on eye on the heart function.

It is recommended to have an echocardiogram done before chemotherapy starts and at regular intervals during chemotherapy treatments.