Tests and diagnosisBy Mayo Clinic staff There's no specific test
to identify ARDS. A diagnosis is reached by ruling out other
diseases and conditions — for example, certain heart problems —
that can produce similar symptoms. - Chest X-ray. A chest X-ray
can reveal which parts of your lungs have fluid in them and
whether your heart is enlarged. - Computerized tomography (CT).
A CT scan combines X-ray images taken from many different
directions into cross-sectional views of internal organs. CT
scans can provide detailed information about the structures
within the heart and lungs. A test using blood from an artery in
your wrist can measure your oxygen level. Other types of blood
tests can check for signs of infection or anemia. If your doctor
suspects that you have a lung infection, secretions from your
airway may be tested to determine the cause of the infection.
Because the signs and symptoms of ARDS are similar to those of
certain heart problems, your doctor may recommend heart tests
such as: - Electrocardiog