infections
Histoplasmosis
Diagnosis of Histoplasmosis
Culture and examination of samples of tissues or fluids Sometimes blood and urine tests Chest x-ray To diagnose histoplasmosis, doctors obtain samples of the sputum, urine, or blood. Doctors may use a viewing tube ( Bronchoscopy ) to take samples from the lungs. Or they may do a biopsy to take samples from the liver, bone marrow, or lymph nodes. These samples are sent to a laboratory for culture and examination. Urine and blood may be tested for proteins ( Overview of the Immune System ) released by the fungus. A Doctors also take a chest x-ray to look for evidence of lung infection. For some rare forms of the infection, the help of infectious disease specialists is required for diagnosis (and treatment). 