Bloods (including lactate)
If sepsis is suspected, full blood count,
clotting, renal function, liver function
tests, c-reactive protein and arterial blood
gas (to ascertain lactate level) should be
taken. Low haemoglobin will reduce the
delivery of oxygen to tissues so should be
urgently identified and treated, while a
raised white cell count is a strong indicator
of infection and is used as part of the initial
screening for sepsis. A raised lactate,
though not specific to sepsis, provides
clear evidence of metabolic compromise
and development of severe sepsis.
Monitoring changes in lactate, and
identifying improvement or deterioration,
is linked to sepsis prognosis and is a good
indicator of the impact of treatment.