LABORATORY RESULTS

Clinical laboratory results are very important parameter in diagnosis, monitoring and screening. 70-80%
of decisions in diagnosis are based on laboratory results and more laboratory analysis are requested. The
laboratory result must be interpreted on the background of a reference interval that is used to distinguish
between “health” and “disease”. The laboratory has certainly also a role and responsibility in providing
clinicians with adequate information that can assist them in correct interpretation of the data. (Islin, 2018)

Sputum culture
A sputum culture is a test that checks for bacteria or another type of organism that may be causing an
infection in the child’s lungs or the airways leading to the lungs. This test is done on the material that is
coughed up from the lungs and into the mouth.

PURPOSE REFERENCE VALUE ABNORMAL FINDINGS

A sputum culture is
often done to find out if
a type of organism that
cause infection is
present in the lungs.
- Color – Clear Yellowish-green sputum is positive to patient
(white/gray) – with cystic fibrosis and higher percentage of
Negative bacteria present in sputum is positive.
- No growth (50%) Abnormal or positive result indicates that
potentially harmful bacteria or fungi were
detected.

Chest X-rays
These exams use special x-ray equipment and computers to produce detailed images of the inside of the
lungs or intestines. These images can help determine the severity of cystic fibrosis by looking for abnormal
mucus and for dilated airways in the lungs. Normal chest X-ray shows normal size and shape of the chest
wall and the main structures in the chest. The images show the parts of your body in different shades of
black and white. This is because different tissues absorb different amounts of radiation. Calcium in bones
absorb x-rays the most, so bones look white. Fat and other soft tissues absorb less and look gray. Air
absorbed the least, so lungs look black.

Stool evaluation

PURPOSE REFERENCE VALUE ABNORMAL FINDINGS

These are done to
measure the amount of
fat in a stool sample.
- 2 to 7 grams over Higher than the normal range of fat in stools
a 24-hour period indicate malabsorption or the food does not
- 21 grams over 72- digest properly. Patient with cystic fibrosis has
hour period thick mucus that block the tubes that carry
digestive enzymes from pancreas to small
intestine.
Pulmonary function test
Pulmonary function tests (PFT) measure both the capacity (size) of the lungs and how well the air flows in
and out of the lungs.

PURPOSE REFERENCE VALUE ABNORMAL FINDINGS

Pulmonary function
test tests the capacity
of the lungs that has
been blocked up by
mucus.
- FEV and FVC equal When compared to the reference value, a
or greater than lower measured value corresponds to a more
80%-120% (3-5L) severe lung abnormality. Lung disease in CF
- TLC above 80% patients is essentially obstructive.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

OGTT is a blood test that measures how your body removes glucose (a kind of sugar) from the blood.
Insulin is made in the pancreas and it helps change glucose into energy for your body.

PURPOSE REFERENCE VALUE ABNORMAL FINDINGS

Oral glucose tolerance
test may confirm that
the pancreas is still
functioning or not
because of the mucus
blocked up in the small
tubes that transports
enzymes out of the
pancreas.
- <100 (5.6) Fasting Oral glucose tolerance of 140–199 (7.8–11.1)
Plasma Glucose which is higher than the normal value
mg/dl (mmol/l) indicates impaired glucose intolerance.
- <140 (7.8) 2-Hour
OGTT Glucose
mg/dl (mmol/l)