Acute viral nasopharyngitis laboratory findings
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Younes M.B.B.CH [2]
Overview
laboratory findings
Common cold is a clinical diagnosis and lab tests are usually not needed unless identification of the specific RV strain is needed.
Viral culture
- Specimens from nasal exudate can be cultured on embryonic lung cells or M-HLEA.
- Results are revealed after 14 days, so empiric treatment should be started without waiting for the results.
PCR
- PCR is a faster and more sensitive test than viral culture and direct antigen testing.
- However, PCR is a very expensive diagnostic tool. So, its use should be limited to severly ill patients in whom identification of the offending organism is mandatory.
Other lab tests
CBC
- CBC is non specific and of low value in common cold.
- CBC may show leukocytosis.
ESR and CRP:
- ESR and CRP may be elevated but this finding is highly non specific.