Osteomyelitis laboratory findings
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Nate Michalak, B.A.
Overview
Laboratory Findings
Microbiology and histopathology are essential for diagnosis and determining treatment of osteomyelitis.
- Histopathology of bone biopsy samples typically provides the most accurate diagnosis.
- Blood cultures are typically more reliable for hematogenous or vertebral ostermyelitis.
- Samples obtained from swabbing sinus tracts should not be used as the isolate may be contaminated with non-pathogenic microorganisms.
Isolation techniques to determine causative agent include:
- Blood cultures
- Bone biopsy (which is then cultured)
Laboratory tests to determine infection include:[1]
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- Note: white blood cell count (WBC) is typically normal and therefore not reliable
References
- ↑ Unkila-Kallio L, Kallio MJ, Eskola J, Peltola H (1994). "Serum C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and white blood cell count in acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of children". Pediatrics. 93 (1): 59–62. PMID 8265325.