Laboratory tests used in respiratory diseases are complementary to the clinical history and prove useful in reaching an accurate diagnosis.
Sputum Examination
- Sputum examination for acid fast bacilli is valuable for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Gram staining of sputum helps when bacterial infection is suspected. It is important for identification for malignant cells in bronchogenic carcinoma. Eosinophils in the sputum may be seen in allergic diseases like asthma.
Hematology
- Polycythemia occurs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, characterized by chronic hypoxia, leucocytosis indicates bacterial infection. Eosinophilia in eosinophilic lung diseases and allergic lung disorders. Raised ESR is often seen in tuberculosis, bronchogenic carcinoma and lymphomas and collagen vascular diseases affecting lungs.
Serological Tests
- They are especially used in diagnosis of fungal diseases like aspergillosis, mycoplasm infection and also in viral, rickettsial, Chlamydia and legionella infection.
Bronchoscopy Procedure
Bronchoscopy is an examination of bronchi. And for this purpose an endoscope is used – which is a flexible, fiber-optic viewing tube that is inserted down the throat. Occasionally a doctor can also perform bronchoscopy to obtain a tiny piece of lung tissue (called biopsy) which will be analyzed under a microscope. In rare cases, bronchoscopy is also used to remove thick mucus from the lungs, the mucus which a person has been unable to expel or dislodge by cough or medication.
Rhinoscopy Examination
Rhinoscopy is an examination of the interior of the nose and sinuses with the help of an endoscope. An obstruction in the nose, throat or sinuses can be located with the help of the procedure.
For special situations the doctor can recommend a few other tests. For example to locate fluid in the sinuses an ultrasound scan (picture of organ and structures deep inside the body made with high frequency sound waves) can be recommended. But one should remember that there should be a good, strong reason for conducting any test or procedure. These diagnostic tools should not be used as a substitute for a medical history and physical examination.
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