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Diagnostic tests for premature bronchiolitis

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No tests should be performed to diagnose bronchiolitis in an out-of-hospital setting, except for oxygen saturation via transcutaneous pulse oximetry.

Oxygen saturation. Transcutaneous pulse oximetry (measuring oxygen via the finger) is a simple, painless method. It is one of the most practical ways to measure the concentration of blood oxygen (blood PaO2). Therefore, it allows us to discern which cases require oxygen supply, (when saturation is lower than 95%).

Chest X-ray. It may be useful for patients who have been hospitalised and are not progressing as expected, or when another pathology is suspected. Bronchiolitis has no typical radiological pattern.

Blood count. This type of analysis is not usually carried out when assessing infants with typical bronchiolitis.

Substantiated information by:

Sandra Suñol nurse

Published: 14 September 2021
Updated: 14 September 2021

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