Section III. DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES

2-11. LABORATORY STUDIES

a. Sputum is collected and studied for the presence of white blood cells, bacteria, and abnormal cells. Cultures of sputum may be done to determine sensitivity or resistance to drugs when the physician must choose an antibiotic therapy.

b. Pleural fluid will accumulate in the parietal cavity in abnormal amounts in certain disease conditions. The fluid is studied to determine the cause of the abnormal accumulation. Pleural fluid is normally obtained by aspiration. This procedure is called thoracentesis and will be discussed in another section.

c. Arterial blood gas (ABG) studies provide a means of assessing the adequacy of ventilation and oxygenation, and help assess the acid-base state of the body.

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