What are the symptoms and blood tests for sepsis?
In this article, we will describe what are the symptoms and blood tests for sepsis.
Sepsis symptoms in adults
A person with sepsis might have symptoms of the underlying cause. OR one or more of the following non-specific symptoms. All are red flag symptoms.
The mnemonic ‘SEPSIS’:
- S lurred speech or confusion
- E xtreme shivering or feeling very cold, fever
- P assing no urine all day
- S evere breathlessness
- I t feels like you are going to die
- S kin mottled or discoloured.
Other symptoms include:
- High heart rate or weak pulse
- Muscle pain or discomfort
- Clammy or sweaty skin.
Sepsis symptoms in children
They are similar but different. A child may have sepsis if he or she:
- Is breathing very fast
- Has a ‘fit’ or convulsion
- Looks mottled, bluish, or pale
- Has a rash that does not fade when you press it
- Is very lethargic or difficult to wake
- Feels abnormally cold to touch.
Sepsis symptoms in a child under 5 years
- Irritable, sleepy or not feeding
- Is vomiting repeatedly
- Has not passed urine for 12 hours
- Sepsis rash in a baby.
But the signs may be much more non-specific e.g. irritable, sleepy or not feeding
If you spot any of these signs, call 999 or go straight to A&E and just ask: “could it be sepsis?”
Tests for sepsis (investigations)
There is no single test to make a diagnosis of sepsis. But these tests are usually done:
Urine tests
Urine dipstick +/- MSU
Blood tests
FBC, CRP, U+E, LFT, bone, glucose, clotting
Blood cultures
Arterial blood gases (especially pH and lactate)
Radiology
Chest x-ray
If indicated, CT or ultrasound +/- sampling of suspected source
Specific to suspected source, e.g. wound, sputum, cerebrospinal fluid (via LP) or stool culture.
Summary
We have described what are the symptoms and blood tests for sepsis. We hope it has been helpful.
