Aspiration pneumonia laboratory tests
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sadaf Sharfaei M.D.[2]
Overview
While chest X-ray and pulse oximetry are routine tests among all patients with suspected aspiration pneumonia, additional laboratory tests (such as CBC, sputum gram stain and culture, and blood culture) are optional tests unless their results might alter the treatment plan.
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]
- CBC shows:
- Leukocytosis with left shift (in cases of bacterial pneumonia)
- Leukopenia (in cases of atypical pneumonia)
- Eosinophilia (in cases of eosinophilic pneumonia)
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Hyponatremia
- Elevated BUN
- ABG may show:
- Acute hypoxemia
- Normal to low partial pressure of carbon dioxide
- Decreased mixed venous oxygen saturation if a patient is in septic shock
- Decreased HCO3
- High lactate level if a patient is in septic shock
Sputum Gram Stain and Culture
- Sputum samples should be obtained in all patients with productive cough.
- Gram stain and culture should be performed to assess the causative agent and guide the therapy.
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.