Lung Disease Tests and Diagnoses

Lung Disease Tests and Diagnoses

Your physician may conduct tests to determine the efficiency and condition of your lungs and to evaluate your overall health. These may include:

• Blood gas test: This blood test measures blood pH levels as well as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, which are useful as a measure of lung efficiency and health.
• Complete blood count (CBC): This test is used to evaluate the condition of blood cells and to check for anemia.
• Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP): The CMP is used to measure chemical and electrolyte imbalances, as well as organ function.
• Pleural fluid analysis: This test examines the causes of fluid accumulation in the pleural layer (lining between chest wall and lungs) and whether the fluid is from cancer or infection.
• Lung biopsy: This procedure lets your physician evaluate the damage to your lung tissue and whether cells are cancerous.
• Thoracotomy: This is an incision your surgeon uses to evaluate and operate on your lung.

In addition to tests on the condition of the lungs, there are tests your physician may use to study the physiological function of the lungs, such as:

• Incentive spirometer: This tool measures the amount of air exhaled as you blow through a tube connected to a gauge. It helps your physician assess the extent of narrowing or obstruction of your airways.
• Peak flow meter: This airflow-measuring device monitors exhalation and is particularly useful for patients with asthma.
• Mediastinoscopy: A tube inserted through a small incision lets your physician examine the space between your lungs.

Diagnostic imaging using advanced technology is often critical to effective diagnosis of lung disease, including:

• Chest X-ray: This lets your physician study the structure of your lungs and the condition of your thoracic cavity.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: A cross-sectional imaging tool, the CT scan offers your physician a superior image than the traditional X-ray.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: The MRI offers detailed images of your lungs and chest cavity using radio frequencies and magnets.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: The PET scan provides an additional means of diagnosing lung cancer, using a special tracer that marks cancer cells.

Your physician will discuss which diagnostic tools, tests and scans are suitable for an accurate diagnosis of your lung disease.