Laboratory Test

Question 1

An X-ray is the most common first test for lung problems

Answer 1

Chest X-ray

Question 2

Uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed pictures of lungs and nearby structures

Answer 2

Computed tomography (CT scan)

Question 3

A series of test to evaluate how well the lungs work. Lung capacity, the ability to exhale forcefully, and the ability to transfer air between the lungs and blood are usually tested

Answer 3

Pulmonary function test (PFTs)

Question 4

Parts of PFTs measures how fast and how much air you can breathe out

Answer 4

Spirometry

Question 5

Culturing mucus coughed up from the lungs can sometimes identify the organism responsible for a pneumonia or bronchitis

Answer 5

Sputum culture

Question 6

Viewing sputum under a microscope for abnormal cells can help diagnose lung cancer and other conditions

Answer 6

Sputum cytology

Question 7

A small piece of tissue is taken from the lungs either through bronchoscopy or surgery

Answer 7

Lung biopsy

Question 8

an endoscope is passed through the nose or mouth into the airways. a doctor can take biopsies or samples for culture

Answer 8

Flexible bronchoscopy

Question 9

A rigid metal tube is introduced through the mouth into the lungs’ airways. often more effective than flexible bronchoscopy, but requires general anesthesia

Answer 9

Rigid bronchoscopy

Question 10

Uses scanner radio waves in a magnetic field to create high-resolution images of structures inside the chest

Answer 10

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scans)