3 Diagnostic Tests for Respiratory Problems

The respiratory system is a complex network of organs and tissues that facilitate breathing. It includes everything from your nasal passages to your lungs, and everything in between.

Respiratory problems impact your ability to breathe, and unfortunately, they can be challenging to diagnose accurately due to the variety of potential causes and overlapping symptoms. The good news is that advancements in medical technology make it easier than ever to pinpoint the underlying issues with greater precision.

Our team at Path MD Labs specializes in advanced pathogen detection for head and neck conditions, and we offer the latest in diagnostic testing for respiratory problems. Here are three of the best diagnostic tests to make it simpler to get the answers you need.

1. Immunohistochemistry

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a valuable diagnostic test that revolutionized the way we identify specific proteins in tissue samples. In IHC, we use antibodies that bind to specific proteins of interest to visualize the presence, location, and quantity of these proteins in tissue sections under a microscope.

IHC can provide essential information about the types of cells present in a tissue sample, helping us differentiate between benign and malignant respiratory conditions. For example, in lung cancer diagnosis, IHC can determine the subtype of cancer and its potential response to targeted therapies.

IHC testing aids healthcare professionals in making accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

2. Cytology

Cytology services encompass a range of diagnostic techniques that involve examining individual cells to detect abnormalities or disease. Bronchial or sputum cytology are two common methods in diagnosing respiratory problems.

During bronchial cytology, we collect cells from your bronchial tubes through a minimally invasive procedure called bronchoscopy. Sputum cytology, on the other hand, involves analyzing cells you cough up from your respiratory tract.

Cytology services are particularly valuable in diagnosing conditions like tuberculosis, fungal infections, and lung cancer. Our advanced analysis of cellular morphology and characteristics can reveal important information about the nature of your respiratory problem, helping your healthcare team develop more targeted treatment.

3. Filmarray® Respiratory Panel

Along with IHC and cytology services, we offer the Filmarray® Respiratory Panel from Biofire Diagnostics. Filmarray is a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that allows for the simultaneous detection of a wide range of respiratory pathogens in a single sample, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

This method rapidly identifies pathogens and determines the genetic makeup of a sample, significantly expediting the diagnosis of respiratory infections. Traditional methods of pathogen identification can be time-consuming and may not accurately identify all potential culprits, but Filmarray provides an overall sensitivity of 97.1% and specificity of 99.3%. It’s even able to diagnose co-infections, providing results within 24 hours.

Diagnosing respiratory problems is complex, and pinpointing results requires a multi-faceted approach. With advanced molecular testing from Path MD Labs, healthcare professionals can quickly identify the responsible pathogens and tailor treatment plans accordingly.

Learn more about respiratory pathogen detection and the Filmarray® Respiratory Panel by contacting Path MD Labs in Los Angeles, California, today. Call the lab at 424-245-7284 or send us a message online.