Pulmonology: Lab/Diagnostics Flashcards
What are the indications for a thoracentesis?
a NEW pleural effusion, atypical pleural effusion, or if effusion fails to resolve as expected
What do you see with a thoracentesis?
Allow for visualization for the fluid and to analyze the chemical and mircrobes found in order to ID underlying pathology
First line of diagnostic imaging for suspected PE
CT angiography; high negative predictive value; uses CT rather than xray
Diagnostic test for DVT
venous ultrasonography
When do you order a sodium chloride sweat test?
suspected cystic fibrosis
How do you perform a sodium chloride sweat test?
Two tests on different days are REQUIRED for accurate diagnosis
True of false: a normal chloride sweat tests excludes the diagnosis of CF
False! genotyping or other diagnostic studies can be performed
When would you order a pulmonary angiography?
Used to be good for PE but not CT angiography is better; XRAY based (unlike CT angiography)
What are the disadvantages of the ventilation/perfusion scan?
It can miss small clots but also isn’t great in the presence of comorbid lung disease
When would you order a CT chest?
Can be helpful in the diagnosis of cancer, PNA, TB, emphysema, diffuse interstitial lung disease and congenital abnormalities
What are some circumstances that can decrease the accuracy of pulse ox?
severe anemia, motion, hypotension or other processes inhibiting blood flow (also, cold hands)
What is a polysomnography?
A sleep study
When is a polysomnography indicated?
to diagnosis sleep apnea and treat secondary pulmonary HTN
Define bronchoscopy
a scope inserted into the bronchial tree used to visualize, collect specimens or perform procedures
When would you use a flexible bronchoscopy?
evaluation of the airway, diagnosis carcinoma, FB removal, lung biopsy. requires topical anesthesia
