investigations

Last reviewed 01/2018

General investigations

  • FBC, U+E's, ESR, blood glucose, blood culture

  • blood gases

  • CXR

  • sputum:
    • culture and sensitivity
    • cytology
    • pH

  • an ECG may give evidence for:
    • IHD which might explain pulmonary oedema
    • PE
    • mitral stenosis
    • atrial fibrillation

  • ventilation/perfusion scan if suspect PE

Other possible investigations:

  • pulmonary function tests shows a raised transfer factor in pulmonary haemorrhage

  • skin sensitivity test

  • bronchoscopy and lung biopsy