Question 1

What is Sepsis?

Accepted Answer

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to infection causes widespread inflammation, leading to tissue damage and organ failure. It is caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses entering the bloodstream and triggering an overwhelming immune response. The Blood Culture test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly identifies the pathogen circulating in the bloodstream.

Question 2

What causes sepsis?

Accepted Answer

Sepsis is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi entering the bloodstream and triggering an overwhelming immune response. Common bacterial causes include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Klebsiella species. The infection can start anywhere in the body, such as the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or abdomen, and then spread through the bloodstream. When your immune system detects these pathogens, it releases chemicals that cause widespread inflammation throughout your body, leading to dangerous drops in blood pressure, organ damage, and potentially death if not treated immediately.

Question 3

What is the best test for sepsis?

Accepted Answer

The Blood Culture test is the most important test for sepsis because it directly identifies bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens circulating in your bloodstream. This test takes a sample of your blood and incubates it to see if any microorganisms grow, allowing doctors to determine exactly what infection is causing your sepsis and which antibiotics will work best. Additional essential tests include the Lactic Acid test, which measures how well oxygen is reaching your tissues, and the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test, which shows how severe the inflammation is in your body. The D-Dimer test helps detect dangerous blood clotting complications, while the Troponin T High Sensitivity test checks for heart damage from the severe infection.

Question 4

When should I get tested for sepsis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested immediately if you have signs of a serious infection combined with symptoms like confusion, extreme pain, high fever or very low body temperature, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, or clammy skin. Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate hospital care, not home testing. If you suspect sepsis, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. Blood tests for sepsis are performed in emergency settings where doctors can quickly diagnose the condition and start life-saving treatments like antibiotics and IV fluids within the critical first hour.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of sepsis?

Accepted Answer

Sepsis symptoms include high fever or very low body temperature, chills and shivering, rapid heartbeat above 90 beats per minute, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, confusion or disorientation, and extreme pain or discomfort. You might notice clammy or sweaty skin, decreased urination, dizziness, and severe weakness. Many people describe feeling like they have the worst flu of their life. The skin may appear mottled or discolored, and you might experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms develop quickly and worsen rapidly, making immediate medical attention critical.

Question 6

Who is at risk for sepsis?

Accepted Answer

People with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for sepsis, including infants under one year old, adults over 65, pregnant women, and anyone with chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, or liver disease. Your risk increases if you have recently had surgery, are hospitalized with invasive devices like catheters or breathing tubes, have severe wounds or burns, or take medications that suppress the immune system like chemotherapy or steroids. People with HIV/AIDS or those who have had their spleen removed also face elevated risk. Even healthy individuals can develop sepsis from severe infections like pneumonia or urinary tract infections.

Question 7

What happens if sepsis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated sepsis progresses rapidly to severe sepsis and septic shock, conditions with mortality rates exceeding 40 percent. Your blood pressure drops dangerously low, preventing adequate blood flow to vital organs, which leads to multi-organ failure affecting your kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, and brain. Tissue death occurs when cells do not receive enough oxygen, potentially requiring amputation of affected limbs. Disseminated intravascular coagulation causes widespread abnormal blood clotting that paradoxically leads to severe bleeding. Survivors often face long-term complications including chronic fatigue, organ damage, post-traumatic stress disorder, and increased risk of future infections. Every hour without treatment significantly decreases survival chances.

Question 8

Can sepsis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sepsis is diagnosed through multiple blood tests that identify infection, measure inflammation, and assess organ function. The Blood Culture test confirms the presence of bacteria or other pathogens in your bloodstream and identifies the specific organism causing the infection. Additional blood tests measure white blood cell count, which is typically very high or abnormally low in sepsis, along with CRP and procalcitonin to assess inflammation severity. Lactic acid levels indicate tissue oxygen deprivation, while comprehensive metabolic panels check kidney and liver function. Doctors use these test results together with your symptoms and vital signs to diagnose sepsis and determine treatment urgency.

Question 9

How is sepsis treated?

Accepted Answer

Sepsis requires immediate hospitalization with aggressive treatment in an intensive care unit. Doctors administer broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics within the first hour, then adjust medications once blood culture results identify the specific pathogen. IV fluids restore blood pressure and tissue perfusion, while vasopressor medications further support blood pressure if needed. Oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation helps maintain adequate oxygen levels. Treatment includes insulin to control blood sugar, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and blood products if clotting problems develop. Some patients require dialysis for kidney failure or surgery to remove infected tissue. Early recognition and treatment within the first few hours dramatically improve survival rates.

Question 10

How can I prevent sepsis?

Accepted Answer

Prevent sepsis by taking infections seriously and seeking prompt medical care when symptoms worsen or persist. Practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently, keeping wounds clean and covered, and following proper catheter care if you have medical devices. Stay current on vaccinations including flu, pneumonia, and shingles shots, which prevent infections that commonly lead to sepsis. Manage chronic health conditions like diabetes carefully to maintain immune function. If you develop signs of infection like fever, increased pain, redness, or discharge from wounds, contact your doctor immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to resolve. People at high risk should discuss preventive strategies with their healthcare provider.

Question 11

What can I do at home for sepsis?

Accepted Answer

You cannot treat sepsis at home because it is a life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate hospital care. If you suspect sepsis, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately rather than attempting home remedies. While recovering after hospital treatment for sepsis, you can support your healing by taking all prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed, staying well-hydrated, eating nutritious foods high in protein to rebuild tissue, getting adequate rest, and attending all follow-up appointments. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor immediately, as sepsis survivors face increased risk of repeat infections. Physical therapy may help rebuild strength lost during illness.

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.

Sepsis Blood Test

What is Sepsis?

What causes sepsis?

What is the best test for sepsis?

When should I get tested for sepsis?

References

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