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Can a blood test detect lung problems?
I am a 40 year old male. I want to know if a blood test can detect lung problems?
1 Answer
No, blood tests are not typically used in general practice to detect lung problems. When you visit your doctor, they will typically check your finger for oxygen level, and that is a good place to start. If you have lung problems, the first test is of course the chest X-ray. It may also be important to check PFTs (pulmonary function tests). These tests can test for problems such as asthma and COPD. If you are worried about lung cancer, a "low dose screening chest CT scan" is the way to go. If you have a 30-year history of smoking (1 pack per day for 30 years, or 2 packs per day for 15 years), you will qualify for a lung cancer screening CT scan.