Question 1

What is Peritonitis?

Accepted Answer

Peritonitis is a serious inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin tissue lining the abdominal cavity. It is caused by bacterial infection from conditions like appendicitis, bowel perforation, or contamination during peritoneal dialysis. The CA-125 test is the most important blood marker for monitoring peritoneal inflammation and treatment response.

Question 2

What causes peritonitis?

Accepted Answer

Peritonitis is caused by bacterial infection that contaminates the peritoneal cavity. The most common bacteria include Escherichia coli, Streptococcus species, and Staphylococcus aureus, which can enter through a ruptured appendix, perforated bowel, abdominal trauma, or complications from peritoneal dialysis. In some cases, fungal infections or chemical irritation from digestive juices can also trigger peritonitis, though bacterial infections remain the primary cause.

Question 3

What is the best test for peritonitis?

Accepted Answer

The CA-125 test is the most important blood marker for monitoring peritonitis because it detects elevated levels caused by inflammation of the peritoneal tissue. While peritonitis is primarily diagnosed through clinical examination, imaging, and peritoneal fluid analysis, the CA-125 blood test provides valuable information about the severity of peritoneal inflammation and helps track your response to treatment. Healthcare providers use this marker alongside complete blood count (CBC) and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein to get a comprehensive picture of the infection and inflammation levels in your body.

Question 4

When should I get tested for peritonitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested immediately if you experience sudden severe abdominal pain that worsens with movement or touch, fever, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal swelling and tenderness. People on peritoneal dialysis should seek testing if they notice cloudy dialysis fluid, which is a key warning sign of infection. Anyone with recent abdominal surgery, bowel disease, or abdominal trauma who develops these symptoms needs urgent evaluation, as peritonitis is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of peritonitis?

Accepted Answer

Peritonitis causes severe abdominal pain that typically starts suddenly and gets worse with movement or when the abdomen is touched. You might experience fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal swelling and bloating, and an inability to pass gas or have bowel movements. The abdomen often becomes rigid and board-like to the touch, and you may feel extremely fatigued or develop a rapid heartbeat as your body fights the infection.

Question 6

Who is at risk for peritonitis?

Accepted Answer

People undergoing peritoneal dialysis have the highest risk due to repeated access to the peritoneal cavity. Those with gastrointestinal conditions like appendicitis, diverticulitis, Crohn disease, or peptic ulcers are at increased risk if these conditions lead to bowel perforation. Recent abdominal surgery, abdominal trauma, liver cirrhosis with ascites, and conditions requiring feeding tubes also increase your risk of developing peritonitis.

Question 7

What happens if peritonitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated peritonitis can rapidly progress to sepsis, a life-threatening condition where infection spreads throughout your bloodstream causing organ failure. The infection can create abscesses in the abdominal cavity, lead to septic shock with dangerously low blood pressure, and cause multiple organ failure affecting your kidneys, lungs, and heart. Without immediate treatment, peritonitis has a high mortality rate, making it one of the most serious abdominal emergencies requiring urgent medical intervention.

Question 8

Can peritonitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose peritonitis, but they play an essential supporting role in evaluation and monitoring. The CA-125 test can detect elevated inflammation markers in the peritoneum, while a complete blood count reveals elevated white blood cells indicating infection. Blood cultures can identify bacteria in your bloodstream, and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein help assess severity. The primary diagnosis requires clinical examination, imaging studies like CT scans, and analysis of peritoneal fluid obtained through paracentesis.

Question 9

How is peritonitis treated?

Accepted Answer

Peritonitis requires immediate hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection. Treatment typically includes broad-spectrum antibiotics initially, then specific antibiotics once the causative bacteria are identified through cultures. Many cases require emergency surgery to remove infected tissue, repair perforations, or drain abscesses. You will receive intravenous fluids, pain management, and possibly nutritional support, with treatment continuing until the infection is fully cleared and inflammation resolves.

Question 10

How can I prevent peritonitis?

Accepted Answer

If you are on peritoneal dialysis, strict adherence to sterile technique when handling your catheter and equipment is crucial. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after dialysis exchanges, keep the catheter site clean and dry, and inspect dialysis fluid for cloudiness daily. For general prevention, seek prompt treatment for abdominal pain or digestive symptoms to prevent complications like appendix or bowel perforation. Maintain good hygiene, avoid abdominal trauma, and follow all post-surgical care instructions carefully if you have had abdominal surgery.

Question 11

What can I do at home for peritonitis?

Accepted Answer

Peritonitis is a medical emergency that cannot be safely treated at home and requires immediate hospital care. While recovering after hospital treatment, you should rest completely, take all prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed, and avoid solid foods until your doctor approves. Stay well-hydrated with clear liquids initially, monitor your temperature regularly, and watch for any return of symptoms like abdominal pain or fever. Follow all wound care instructions carefully if you had surgery, and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the infection has completely resolved.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Peritonitis Blood Test

What is Peritonitis?

What causes peritonitis?

What is the best test for peritonitis?

When should I get tested for peritonitis?

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