Bronchiectasis laboratory findings

Bronchiectasis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Bronchiectasis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Chest X Ray
CT
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Bronchiectasis laboratory findings On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Bronchiectasis laboratory findings All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Bronchiectasis laboratory findings
CDC on Bronchiectasis laboratory findings
Bronchiectasis laboratory findings in the news
Blogs on Bronchiectasis laboratory findings
Directions to Hospitals Treating Bronchiectasis
Risk calculators and risk factors for Bronchiectasis laboratory findings

Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It's easy! Click here to learn about editing.

Overview

There are both routine investigations and investigations done for special cases.

Bronchiectasis Laboratory Findings

Sputum Analysis

• Observe for Dittrich plugs (foul smelling masses of bacteria), white, or yellow concretions.
• A gram stain and culture should be performed. Evidence of Psuedomonas species, Escherichia coli, or Staphylococcus. aureus may suggest cystic fibrosis or bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
• A smear and culture should be performed for mycobacteria and fungi.

Full Blood Count

• Nonspecific findings
• Anemia
• Elevated white blood cell count
• Increased percentage of neutrophils
• Eosinophils suggests bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
• Polycythemia (secondary to hypoxia) in severe cases

Quantitative Immunoglobulin Levels

• Measure IgG, IgA, IgM, and serum electrophoresis to exclude hypogammaglobulinemia
• Serum IgE or skin prick testing for bronchopulmonary aspergillus Aspergillus precipitins and serum total IgE levels are important in making the diagnosis of ABPA. Diagnostic criteria for ABPA include a total serum IgE level greater than 1000 IU/mL or a greater than 2-fold rise from baseline.

Quantitative serum alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) levels

• This is used to rule out AAT deficiency.

Bronchiectasis Laboratory Findings

• Aspergillus IgE radioallergosorbent test
• Aspergillus precipitan blood test
• Aspergillus skin-prick test

• Selected cases

• Antibodies to Haemophilus influenza type B or Streptococcus pneumonia
• Sputum acid fast bacilli
• CF sweat test
• CF genetic testing
• Screening for PCD-nasal nitric oxide measurements, nasal biopsy and ciliary beat frequency