Question
Can a routine blood test detect pediatric pneumonia?
Answer
A routine blood test can help determine whether pediatric pneumonia is caused by bacterial or viral infection. When a child has bacterial pneumonia, the blood test may show a decrease in white blood cell count, along with an increase in neutrophils and neutrophil percentage. Sometimes, it may also show abnormalities such as left shift and granulocyte pellicle. These indicators help doctors provide symptomatic treatment.