Otalgia laboratory findings
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S[2]
Overview
It is normally possible to establish the cause of ear pain based on the history. It is important to exclude cancer where appropriate, particularly with unilateral otalgia in an adult who uses tobacco or alcohol.[1] Common lab tests include complete blood count, differential count of WBC, culture and screening of otorrhea, thyroid function studies – for thyroiditis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate- for temporal arteritis, throat swabs for tonsillitis and pharyngitis.
Laboratory Findings
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Differential count of WBC
- Culture and screening of otorrhea
- Thyroid function studies – for thyroiditis
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) – for temporal arteritis
- Throat swabs for tonsillitis and pharyngitis
References
- ↑ Amundson L (1990). “Disorders of the external ear”. Prim Care. 17 (2): 213–31. PMID 2196606.
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