Lungs Tests
Lungs Tests
To assess the health and function of the lungs, the following tests are available at our centre:
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test
Purpose: Measures the levels of oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and blood pH.
Diagnosis: Evaluates how well the lungs are performing gas exchange and identifies respiratory or metabolic imbalances.
Monitoring: Tracks the effectiveness of treatments for conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Purpose: Measures various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.
Diagnosis: Detects infections, anemia, and other conditions affecting lung function.
Monitoring: Assesses changes in blood cell counts that might indicate lung disease or treatment effects.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test
Purpose: Measures the level of CRP, a protein produced in response to inflammation.
Diagnosis: Identifies inflammatory processes in the lungs, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
Monitoring: Monitors inflammatory conditions and the effectiveness of treatments.
Procalcitonin Test
Purpose: Measures procalcitonin, a protein that increases in response to bacterial infections.
Diagnosis: Differentiates between bacterial and viral infections, aiding in diagnosing conditions like bacterial pneumonia.
Monitoring: Assesses the severity of bacterial infections and guides antibiotic therapy.
Serum IgE Test
Purpose: Measures levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody involved in allergic reactions.
Diagnosis: Helps diagnose allergic asthma and other allergic conditions.
Monitoring: Assesses the severity of allergic reactions and effectiveness of treatments.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Test
Purpose: Measures levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin, a protein that protects the lungs from damage caused by inflammation.
Diagnosis: Identifies alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which can lead to emphysema and liver disease.
Monitoring: Assesses the severity of lung damage in patients with this deficiency.
Sputum Culture and Sensitivity
Purpose: Analyses a sample of sputum (mucus) for the presence of bacteria or fungi and determines the most effective treatment.
Diagnosis: Detects infections in the lungs and identifies specific pathogens.
Monitoring: Tracks the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments and adjusts therapy as needed.
D-dimer Test
Purpose: Measures the level of D-dimer, a substance released when a blood clot breaks down.
Diagnosis: Helps diagnose conditions like pulmonary embolism by assessing clot formation and breakdown.
Monitoring: Evaluates the response to treatments for clot-related conditions.
BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide) Test
Purpose: Measures levels of BNP, a hormone released by the heart in response to stress.
Diagnosis: Helps identify heart-related causes of respiratory symptoms, such as heart failure affecting lung function.
Monitoring: Tracks the progression of heart failure and its impact on the lungs.
Chest X-Ray
Purpose: Uses electromagnetic radiation to create images of the chest, including the lungs, heart, and surrounding structures.
Diagnosis: Identifies abnormalities such as infections (pneumonia), tumors, fluid buildup, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Monitoring: Tracks changes in lung conditions over time.
Chest CT Scan
Purpose: Uses X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the chest.
Diagnosis: Provides detailed images to identify and assess lung diseases, including tumors, pulmonary embolism, and interstitial lung disease.
Assessment: Evaluates the extent and severity of lung abnormalities.