Table 1 Frequency that tests are normally requested when older adults are suspected of having CAP.
Family Physicians | ER Physicians | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | Always % | Usually % | Combined % | Always % | Usually % | Combined % | P-value* |
Chest X-ray | 50.8 | 41.3 | 92.1 | 91.7 | 8.3 | 100 | >0.05 |
CBC | 14.3 | 38.1 | 52.4 | 58.3 | 33.3 | 91.6 | <0.05 |
Pulse oximetry | 14.3 | 9.5 | 23.9 | 91.7 | 8.3 | 100 | <0.001 |
Sputum culture | 1.6 | 11.3 | 16.1 | 0.0 | 33.3 | 33.3 | >0.05 |
Blood culture | 3.2 | 6.5 | 9.7 | 16.7 | 50.0 | 66.7 | <0.001 |
Sputum gram stain | 1.6 | 3.2 | 4.8 | 0.0 | 25.0 | 25.0 | <0.05 |
Arterial blood gas | 1.6 | 1.6 | 3.2 | 0.0 | 8.3 | 8.3 | >0.05 |