Pneumonia laboratory findings
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alejandro Lemor, M.D. [2]
Overview
Laboratory Tests
Routine Tests
Findings in routine blood tests are based on the severity of the disease and the cause, they can include the following:[1]
- Leukocytosis or leukopenia
- Eosinophilia (in cases of eosinophilic pneumonia)
- Anemia
- Hyponatremia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Elevated BUN
- Findings of lactic acidosis (decreased HCO3, increased lactic acid levels)
Sputum Gram Stain and Culture
- Sputum samples should be obtained of all patients with productive cough
- Gram-stain and culture should be performed to assess the causative agent and guide the therapy.
Other Laboratory Tests
Urine Antigen Test[2]
- Used to diagnose Legionella disease.
- The presence of the antigen in urine can be detected in 24 hours since the onset of the symptoms
- The severity of Legionella disease increases the sensitivity of the urinary antigen test.
References
- ↑ Solomon, Caren G.; Wunderink, Richard G.; Waterer, Grant W. (2014). "Community-Acquired Pneumonia". New England Journal of Medicine. 370 (6): 543–551. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1214869. ISSN 0028-4793.
- ↑ Couturier MR, Graf EH, Griffin AT (2014). "Urine antigen tests for the diagnosis of respiratory infections: legionellosis, histoplasmosis, pneumococcal pneumonia". Clin Lab Med. 34 (2): 219–36. doi:10.1016/j.cll.2014.02.002. PMID 24856525.