Respiratory failure laboratory findings

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hadeel Maksoud M.D.[2]

Overview

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of respiratory failure include abnormal bicarbonate, oxygen, phosphate, and magnesium levels.

Laboratory Findings

• Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of respiratory failure include:
  • Arterial blood gases
    • Bicarbonate may be elevated to more than 45mmHg, and oxygen levels below 60mmHg
  • Electrolyte studies
    • Low phosphate and low magnesium
  • Toxicology screen for detection of:
    • Opiates
    • Benzodiazepines
    • Tricyclic antidepressants
    • Barbiturates
  • Complete blood count
    • Chronic hypoxemia may be associated with polycythemia
    • Eosinophilia may be associated with eosinophilic myalgia
  • Thyroid function tests
    • An elevated TSH and decreased T4 indicates hypothyroidism
  • Creatine phosphokinase may be elevated and may indicate:
    • Infectious or autoimmune polymyositis
    • Hypothyroidism
    • Rhabdomyolysis secondary to colchicine or chloroquine toxicity
    • Procainamide myopathy
  • Cardiac enzymes
    • To detect mysocardial infarction
  • Kidney and liver function tests
    • May be a cause of respiratory failure or may help to anticipate complications