Investigation for Pneumonia

Imaging Test
1. X-ray
-A chest X-ray should be obtained to confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia, help guide initial treatment, and exclude other etiologies.

Chest X-ray showing right inferior lobar pneaumonia

For more info, go to this link http://www.accessmedicine.com.ezproxy.lib.monash.edu.au/content.aspx?aID=3111487&searchStr=pneumonia#3111487




2. CT Scan
-may be helpful in differentiating between lung abscess and empyema* when the chest X-ray is equivocal
*Empyema is a collection of pus in the space between the lung and the inside of the chest wall (pleural space).


Laboratory Test
1. Blood test- access white blood cell count
-An individual's white blood cell count can often give a hint as to the severity of the pneumonia and whether it is caused by bacteria or a virus. An increased number of neutrophils is seen in bacterial infections, whereas an increase in lymphocytes, is seen in viral infections, fungal infections, and some bacterial infections (like tuberculosis).

2. Culture of sputum/Gram’s staining-Sputum samples can be collected and examined under the microscope. If the pneumonia is caused by bacteria or fungi, the organisms can often be detected by this examination

3. Arterial blood gases-access for oxygen saturation to determine severity of respiratory illness.