NOTES:

CXR
Benign lung nodules can be caused by inflammation from a number of conditions. They include: Bacterial infections, such
as tuberculosis and pneumonia. Fungal infections, such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis or aspergillosis.

ESR
Chronic HIV infection is associated with relatively high levels of inflammation and a growing body of evidence suggests that
inflammation may increase the risk for a range of health problems.

Normally, red blood cells settle relatively slowly. A faster-than-normal rate may indicate inflammation in the body.

A moderately elevated ESR may not always indicate a health condition. However, it is possible that people whose ESR value is
slightly high may have one of the following conditions:

 rheumatoid arthritis
 anemia, a reduced number of red blood cells
 thyroid disease
 kidney disease
 red blood cell abnormalities, such as macrocytosis
 some forms of cancer, such as lymphoma
 tuberculosis, a type of lung infection
 a bone infection
 a heart infection
 a systemic infection

SPUTUM
A sample of sputum is added to a substance that promotes the growth of bacteria. If no bacteria grow, the culture is negative. If
bacteria grow, the culture is positive. If TB bacteria grow, then the person has tuberculosis.

Sputum, also known as phlegm, is a thick type of mucus made in your lungs.

If bacteria grow, the culture is positive. If TB bacteria grow, then the person has tuberculosis. The test also can show if a lung
infection is caused by some other kind of bacteria. A sputum culture can take 1 to 8 weeks to provide results.
HEM