Question 1

What is Severe Infection?

Accepted Answer

Severe infection is a life-threatening condition where harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, or fungi overwhelm the body's immune defenses, potentially leading to sepsis and organ failure. It is caused by pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, E. coli, or fungal species that invade the bloodstream and tissues. The White Blood Cell Count (WBC) is the most important test for diagnosis because it reveals whether the immune system is fighting effectively or being overwhelmed.

Question 2

What causes severe infection?

Accepted Answer

Severe infection is caused by harmful microorganisms including bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and E. coli, as well as viruses, fungi, and parasites that invade the body. These pathogens overwhelm the immune system by multiplying rapidly and releasing toxins into the bloodstream, triggering an extreme inflammatory response that can lead to sepsis. The infection may originate from pneumonia, urinary tract infections, abdominal infections, skin wounds, or bloodstream contamination through medical devices.

Question 3

What is the best test for severe infection?

Accepted Answer

The White Blood Cell Count (WBC) is the most important test for severe infection because it reveals how your immune system is responding to the infectious threat. This test measures the number of infection-fighting white blood cells in your blood, and critically, a very low WBC count indicates that the infection is so severe it has overwhelmed your immune defenses and requires immediate medical intervention. An abnormally high WBC count can also indicate active infection, while extremely low counts suggest immune system failure. Additional tests like blood cultures, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin levels help identify the specific pathogen and assess infection severity.

Question 4

When should I get tested for severe infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested immediately if you experience high fever above 101°F combined with chills and shaking, rapid heartbeat over 90 beats per minute, confusion or disorientation, extreme fatigue or weakness, or difficulty breathing. Other urgent signs include severe pain or discomfort anywhere in the body, clammy or sweaty skin, or decreased urine output. If you have a known infection that suddenly worsens or fails to improve with treatment, or if you have a weakened immune system and develop any signs of infection, seek testing and medical care right away as these symptoms may indicate the infection is becoming severe.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of severe infection?

Accepted Answer

Severe infection symptoms include high fever or abnormally low body temperature, severe chills and uncontrollable shaking, rapid breathing and heart rate, confusion or altered mental status, and extreme weakness or fatigue. You might notice clammy, cold, or discolored skin, decreased urine output, dizziness when standing, and severe pain or discomfort in specific areas. Additional warning signs include nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, and in critical cases, symptoms of septic shock like loss of consciousness or very low blood pressure requiring emergency medical attention.

Question 6

Who is at risk for severe infection?

Accepted Answer

People with weakened immune systems are at highest risk, including those undergoing chemotherapy, taking immunosuppressive medications, or living with HIV/AIDS or diabetes. The elderly over 65 and very young infants have less robust immune defenses making them more vulnerable. Other high-risk groups include people with chronic diseases like kidney disease, liver disease, or heart conditions, those recovering from major surgery or traumatic injuries, individuals with indwelling medical devices like catheters or breathing tubes, and people who have had their spleen removed or are hospitalized for extended periods.

Question 7

What happens if severe infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated severe infection can rapidly progress to sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body's overwhelming response to infection causes widespread inflammation and blood clotting. This can lead to septic shock with dangerously low blood pressure, preventing adequate blood flow to vital organs. Multiple organ failure may develop, affecting the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart, potentially causing permanent damage or death. Other complications include tissue death requiring amputation, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), stroke, and long-term cognitive impairment. The mortality rate increases dramatically without prompt medical intervention, making immediate treatment absolutely critical.

Question 8

Can severe infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are essential for diagnosing severe infection and assessing its severity. The White Blood Cell Count reveals whether your immune system is fighting the infection or being overwhelmed, with abnormally high or dangerously low counts indicating serious infection. Blood cultures identify the specific bacteria or fungi causing the infection and determine which antibiotics will be effective. Additional blood tests measure inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin that rise during bacterial infections, lactate levels that indicate organ stress, and complete metabolic panels that assess kidney and liver function to detect early organ damage.

Question 9

How is severe infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Severe infection requires immediate hospitalization and aggressive treatment with intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics started within the first hour of diagnosis. Doctors administer IV fluids to maintain blood pressure and organ perfusion, and may provide oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation for breathing support. Once blood culture results identify the specific pathogen, antibiotic therapy is adjusted to target that organism precisely. Additional treatments include medications to support blood pressure, insulin to control blood sugar, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in some cases, and in critical situations, dialysis for kidney failure or surgery to remove infected tissue or drain abscesses.

Question 10

How can I prevent severe infection?

Accepted Answer

Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Keep vaccinations current including flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines to prevent serious infections. Properly clean and care for wounds immediately, covering them with clean bandages and watching for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pus. Manage chronic conditions like diabetes carefully as uncontrolled blood sugar increases infection risk. Avoid unnecessary use of catheters or IV lines, and if you have medical devices, follow care instructions meticulously to prevent contamination.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support recovery from infection?

Accepted Answer

While severe infections require professional medical treatment, you can support your recovery by staying well-hydrated with water, clear broths, and electrolyte drinks to help your body fight infection and flush out toxins. Get plenty of rest as sleep allows your immune system to work more effectively. Eat nutritious foods rich in protein, vitamins C and D, and zinc to support immune function and tissue repair. Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed, completing the full course of antibiotics even if you feel better. Monitor your temperature and symptoms closely, and contact your doctor immediately if symptoms worsen or new concerning signs develop, as severe infections can deteriorate rapidly.

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.

Severe Infection Blood Test

What is Severe Infection?

What causes severe infection?

What is the best test for severe infection?

When should I get tested for severe infection?

References

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