Chest radiograph, cultures

Chest radiograph, cultures and other tests Chest radiograph showing pulmonary consolidation in both lung bases and in the center of the right lung. An important consideration for accurate diagnosis of pneumonia is chest radiography, which may show areas of opacity (seen as white areas), representing areas of consolidation. Pneumonia is not always shown in a chest radiograph, either because it is an initial stage of the disease or because it was infested with a portion of the lungs that is not seen in a radiograph. A radiograph may also be difficult to interpret in patients with pulmonary fibrosis and congestive heart failure. In some cases is warranted to perform a CT scan.The culture results of sputum of the patient takes at least two or three days, so they are used only to confirm diagnosis and to assess the sensitivity of the organism to various antibiotics, including those that have already been administered to the patient. A WBC count may show a rise in the concentration of these cells, indicating the presence of an infection or inflammation. overbed table In some immunocompromised individuals, the white cell count may be normal or decreased. It is often important to assess kidney function through blood tests-an important factor in prescribing antibiotics and assess damage, including hypotension to evaluate the concentration of sodium. A low sodium concentration in cases with pneumonia usually indicates a high amount of antidiuretic hormone produced by the lungs in terminal stages, a condition called syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone.There are specific laboratory tests for atypical bacteria and other microorganisms, including viruses, fungi and parasites.