Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Aspiration pneumonia laboratory tests
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Different laboratory tests might be used in patients with aspiration pneumonia. Sputum analysis including gram stain and culture must be done in patients with cough. ABG may show acute hypoxemia and decreased mixed venous oxygen saturation. CBC shows leukocytosis with left shift or leukopenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia.
Laboratory Tests
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
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.
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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]