Necrotizing fasciitis laboratory findings

Necrotizing fasciitis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Necrotizing fasciitis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Biopsy
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Necrotizing fasciitis laboratory findings On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Necrotizing fasciitis laboratory findings All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Necrotizing fasciitis laboratory findings
CDC on Necrotizing fasciitis laboratory findings
Necrotizing fasciitis laboratory findings in the news
Blogs on Necrotizing fasciitis laboratory findings
Directions to Hospitals Treating Necrotizing fasciitis
Risk calculators and risk factors for Necrotizing fasciitis laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yamuna Kondapally, M.B.B.S[2]

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory tests consistent with diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis include:

Microbiology

The following are the tests used to diagnose the causative organism:

• Gram stain and culture of tissues and aspirates
• Blood culture
• Culture of throat and vaginal swabs
• Fungal culture (immunocompromised or trauma patients)
• Enrichment cultures (patients with recent antibiotic use)

Haematology

The following are complete blood count with differential findings:

• Rapidly falling heamoglobin
• Leucocytosis (>14,000/µL)
• Leucopenia (if associated with STSS)
• Lymphopenia
• Thrombocytopenia

Boichemistry

• Elevated C-reactive protein
• Elevated serum creatinine kinase
• Hypocalcemia (sign of severity in synergistic NF)
• Hypoalbuminemia
• Hyponatremia (<135mmol/L)
• Elevated serum lactate levels (high serum lactate combined with low sodium levels may be predictive of mortality)
• Arterial blood gas analysis
• Urine analysis
• Elevated Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

Biopsy

• Deep incisional biopsy (include advancing edge and central necrotic areas)