Haematology

Question 1

CBC (complete blood count)

Answer 1

evaluates the type and number of white blood cells; results may indicate that an infection is present

Question 2

BMP (basic metabolic panel)

Answer 2

blood tests for sodium, potassium, and other chemistries to help determine the severity of the illness

Question 3

Blood gases

Answer 3

measures the pH and the amount of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) present in a sample of blood, usually from an artery, in order to evaluate lung function.

Question 4

Blood culture

Answer 4

used to detect septicemia when it is suspected that infection has spread from the lungs to the blood or from the blood to the lungs

Question 5

Mycoplasma testing

Answer 5

blood test or special culture to help diagnose a mycoplasma infection

Question 6

Legionella testing

Answer 6

blood test for the specific antigen, culture or molecular test to diagnose a suspected Legionella infection. As a notifiable disease which can present as pheumonia, this needs to be ruled out.

Question 7

ESR

Answer 7

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate) is a test that indirectly measures the degree of inflammation present in the body. C Reactive Protein (CRP) levels may also be used here.