Bronchiolitis Diagnostics

Laboratory Tests and Ancillaries

Complete blood count (CBC) offers little helpful information in bronchiolitis patients. Arterial blood gas (ABG) should be considered in patients with severe symptoms of bronchiolitis. Viral cultures of nasopharyngeal secretions are not recommended.

Imaging

A chest X-ray (CXR) image may show hyperinflation due to air trapping. CXR may be done when the diagnosis is uncertain to rule out other diseases.