Pneumonia tests can vary depending on the suspected cause of the pneumonia, the severity of the illness, and other factors. Here are some common types of pneumonia tests: Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will listen to your lungs using a stethoscope. Pneumonia often produces crackling or bubbling sounds in the lungs. Chest X-ray: This imaging test can reveal areas of infection or inflammation in the lungs. Blood Tests: Blood tests can help determine the type of infection causing pneumonia and assess the severity of the illness. Common blood tests include: Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for elevated white blood cell count, which can indicate an infection. C-reactive protein (CRP): Elevated levels suggest inflammation, often indicating an infection. Procalcitonin: Elevated levels can indicate a bacterial infection. Sputum Culture and Gram Stain: If you're producing sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs), a sample may be collected and analyzed to identify the ...