Table 5 Pros and cons of serum, BALF and sputum samples for IPA diagnosis in non-haematological patients
Samples | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Serum | â–¡Convenient, cheap and fast â–¡High specificity | â–¡Low sensitivity |
BALF | â–¡Local-infection related â–¡High sensitivity and specificity | â–¡Invasive, having contraindications â–¡Expensive |
Sputum | â–¡Convenient, cheap and fast â–¡Local-infection related â–¡Non-invasive | â–¡Affected by colonization and contamination |