CBC (Complete Blood Count):
- What it is: The CBC is a common blood test that measures the components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin levels.
- Relevance to Fever: The CBC helps to identify infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal), anemia, or other blood-related issues. A high white blood cell count often suggests infection or inflammation. The test can give clues about whether the fever is caused by an infection and what type of infection (e.g., bacterial or viral).
2. ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate):
- What it is: The ESR measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. It is a non-specific marker for inflammation.
- Relevance to Fever: A high ESR indicates the presence of inflammation in the body, which could be due to infections, autoimmune diseases, or other conditions that cause fever. It helps to assess the severity of the inflammatory process.
3. CRP (C-Reactive Protein):
- What it is: CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation or infection. The CRP test measures the level of this protein in the blood.
- Relevance to Fever: Elevated CRP levels indicate inflammation and can be used to monitor the presence of infections, especially bacterial ones, as well as inflammatory conditions. It is often used in conjunction with ESR to evaluate the severity of the illness.
4. Widal Test:
- What it is: The Widal test is used to diagnose typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. It detects antibodies against the bacteria in the blood.
- Relevance to Fever: If you have a fever that doesn’t resolve, the Widal test can help diagnose typhoid fever, which is common in areas with poor sanitation. A positive Widal test can indicate recent exposure to the bacteria.
5. Blood Culture and Sensitivity (Blood C/S):
- What it is: Blood culture is a laboratory test that grows bacteria or fungi from a blood sample. The sensitivity part of the test identifies which antibiotics are effective against the specific bacteria or fungi.
- Relevance to Fever: Blood culture is essential for identifying bacterial infections in the bloodstream (such as sepsis) and determining which antibiotics will be most effective for treatment. It helps to identify life-threatening infections that can cause fever.
6. Urine R/E (Urine Routine Examination):
- What it is: This is a basic test that examines urine for various components like appearance, pH, specific gravity, and microscopic examination for cells or bacteria.
- Relevance to Fever: Urine routine examination helps identify urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can cause fever. It also helps in detecting other conditions like kidney disease or dehydration that may be associated with fever.
7. Urine C/S (Urine Culture and Sensitivity):
- What it is: A urine culture tests for the presence of bacteria or fungi in the urine. The sensitivity test identifies which antibiotics are most effective against the cultured organisms.
- Relevance to Fever: If a urinary tract infection (UTI) is suspected, the urine culture helps identify the specific bacteria responsible and guides appropriate antibiotic treatment. UTIs are a common cause of fever, especially in women.
8. Total & Direct Bilirubin:
- What it is: Bilirubin is a yellow substance produced when red blood cells break down. Total bilirubin is the overall amount, while direct bilirubin measures the water-soluble form.
- Relevance to Fever: Elevated bilirubin levels can indicate liver dysfunction or bile duct obstruction, which can cause symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Conditions like hepatitis or liver infections can present with fever, so measuring bilirubin helps evaluate liver health.
9. SGPT (Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase):
- What it is: SGPT (also known as ALT) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver. It is released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged.
- Relevance to Fever: High SGPT levels indicate liver damage or inflammation, which may be due to conditions such as hepatitis or liver infections. Liver-related problems can cause fever, so SGPT is used to assess liver function and determine if it’s contributing to the fever.