Sepsis

To diagnose sepsis, your healthcare team may order many tests to try to pinpoint the underlying infection.

Blood tests

Blood samples are used to test for:

• Evidence of infection.
• Changes in blood clotting.
• Issues with liver or kidney function.
• Lower levels of oxygen than the body needs.
• Electrolyte imbalances.

Other lab tests

Other lab tests to find the source of the infection might include samples of:

• Urine.
• Liquid from the wound.
• Saliva and mucus from the respiratory tract.

Imaging tests

If the site of the original infection is not known, a healthcare professional may order imaging tests. These might include:

• X-ray. X-rays can show infections in the lungs.
• Ultrasound. An ultrasound test uses sound waves to create real-time images on a video screen. Ultrasound can show infections in the gallbladder and kidneys.
• Computerized tomography (CT). A CT scan takes X-rays from many angles and combines them to show cross-sectional slices of the inside of the body. Infections in the liver, pancreas or other abdominal organs are easier to see on CT scans.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnet to produce cross-sectional or 3D images. It can help show soft tissue or bone infections.

Early, thorough treatment raises the chances of recovery. People who have sepsis need close monitoring and treatment in a hospital. This is because people with sepsis may need lifesaving measures to help them breathe and keep the heart working.

Medicines

Different medicines are used in treating sepsis and septic shock. They include:

• Antibiotics. Treatment with antibiotics begins as soon as possible. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are effective against a variety of bacteria, are often used first. When blood test results show which type of bacteria is causing the infection, the first antibiotic may get switched out for a second one. This second one targets the germ causing the infection.
• Fluids added to veins. The use of IV fluids begins as soon as possible.
• Vasopressors. Vasopressors narrow blood vessels and help raise blood pressure. A vasopressor medicine may be used if blood pressure is too low even after receiving fluids.

Other medicines may be used, such as insulin for blood sugar levels or painkillers.

Supportive care

People who have sepsis often get supportive care that includes oxygen. Some people may need a machine to help them breathe. If the kidneys aren't working well because of the infection, dialysis may be needed.

Surgery

Surgery may help to remove sources of infection. Sources may include pus, infected tissues or dead tissues.