tests for lung infections

overview

other tests for lung infections, such as pneumonia and acute bronchitis, may include:

• blood tests or cultures. blood tests may help tell if you have antibodies to a specific organism that can cause pneumonia or if you have a specific virus, such as influenza (flu) or respiratory syncytial virus (rsv). doctors can use blood cultures to test for bacteria in your bloodstream.
• oximetry. an oximeter can estimate the amount of oxygen in your blood. a sensor in a cuff or clip is placed on the end of your finger. this sensor measures how much oxygen is in your blood. the oximeter machine shows the result.
• arterial blood gases. this test can measure the levels of oxygen in a sample of blood drawn from your artery. doctors use this test to find out whether enough oxygen is getting into your bloodstream from your lungs.
• bronchoscopy. this is a visual exam of the tubes leading to your lungs. this test is usually done by a respirologist (lung specialist). the doctor inserts a small, lighted device through your nose or mouth into the tubes leading to your lungs. during the procedure, the doctor can obtain samples of tissue, fluid, or mucus.
• lung biopsy. this test is done on a very small piece of lung tissue. it looks for conditions such as lung cancer or fibrous tissue in the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis). your doctor obtains lung tissue by inserting a needle into your chest between two ribs or by using bronchoscopy.
• thoracentesis. this test involves puncturing the chest wall to obtain fluid from the space around the lungs. fluid obtained during the test can be checked for signs of infection or cancer.
• computed tomography (ct) scan. a ct scan uses x-rays to produce detailed pictures of structures inside your body. it may be used in people who aren't responding to their treatment.