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Testing is ordered to help diagnose sepsis, distinguish it from other conditions, and to evaluate and monitor the function of the affected person's organs, blood oxygenation, and .
Laboratory Tests
Testing may include:
- Blood culture – to detect and evaluate their susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs
- Urine culture and of other body fluids as indicated – to detect the source and type of infection
- Full blood count (FBC) – to evaluate red and white blood cells and platelets
- Lactate – increased levels can indicate organ dysfunction
- Blood gases – to evaluate oxygen in the blood and acid-base balance
- Procalcitonin – sometimes used to distinguish bacterial sepsis and other conditions that cause similar symptoms
- Electrolytes and Liver Function tests (E/LFT) – to monitor organ status, electrolyte balance, and blood glucose
- PT and/or APTT or other clotting tests - to evaluate clotting status
- C-reactive protein (CRP) – to detect in the body
In addition to the tests listed above, a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination may sometimes be ordered if it is thought that the person has meningitis.
Other tests as indicated may be done to help evaluate health status or to rule out other conditions, such as troponin to detect a heart attack.
Non-Laboratory Tests
May be ordered to evaluate organ status, detect complications, and to detect location of infection:
- ECG – to evaluate heart rhythm or injury
- X-ray
- (Computed Tomography) scan
- (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Ultrasound
For more on imaging studies, see the web site Inside Radiology.
Last Review Date: December 30, 2018