Acute viral nasopharyngitis laboratory findings: Difference between revisions
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===PCR=== | ===PCR=== | ||
*PCR is a faster and more sensitive test than viral culture and direct antigen testing. | *PCR is a faster and more sensitive test than viral culture and direct antigen testing. | ||
*However, PCR is a very expensive diagnostic tool. So, its use should be limited to | *However, PCR is a very expensive diagnostic tool. So, its use should be limited to severely ill patients in whom identification of the offending organism is mandatory. | ||
===Other lab tests=== | ===Other lab tests=== | ||
====CBC==== | ====CBC==== | ||
*CBC is | *CBC is nonspecific and of low value in common cold. | ||
*CBC may show leukocytosis. | *CBC may show leukocytosis. | ||
====ESR and CRP:==== | ====ESR and CRP:==== | ||
*ESR and CRP may be elevated but this finding is highly | *ESR and CRP may be elevated but this finding is highly nonspecific. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 16:43, 22 June 2017
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Acute viral nasopharyngitis Microchapters |
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Differentiating acute viral nasopharyngitis from other diseases |
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Diagnosis |
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Acute viral nasopharyngitis laboratory findings On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Acute viral nasopharyngitis laboratory findings |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Younes M.B.B.CH [2]
Overview
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of acute viral nasopharyngitis include positive viral culture, positive PCR, and leucocytosis.
laboratory findings
Common cold is a clinical diagnosis and lab tests are usually not needed unless identification of the specific RV strain is needed.
Viral culture
- Specimens from nasal exudate can be cultured on embryonic lung cells or M-HLEA.
- Results are revealed after 14 days, so empiric treatment should be started without waiting for the results.
PCR
- PCR is a faster and more sensitive test than viral culture and direct antigen testing.
- However, PCR is a very expensive diagnostic tool. So, its use should be limited to severely ill patients in whom identification of the offending organism is mandatory.
Other lab tests
CBC
- CBC is nonspecific and of low value in common cold.
- CBC may show leukocytosis.
ESR and CRP:
- ESR and CRP may be elevated but this finding is highly nonspecific.