Bacterial Cholangitis: Test and Diagnosis

1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests.

• Small blood count [frequently leukocytosis (increase in white blood cells: > 10-12,000/μl) possibly with left shift, i.e., shift in granulocytes in favor of younger precursors (e.g., rod-nucleated granulocytes; possibly toxic granulations)]
• Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein).
• Cholestasis parameter
  • AP (alkaline phosphatase) and GGT (γ-GT, gamma-GT; gamma-glutamyl transferase).
  • Bilirubin
• Culture from bile (microbiological examination) – required before each treatment step.

Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification.

• Coagulation parameters – PTT, Quick, platelets (platelets; blood cells important for blood clotting).
• Liver parameters – alanine aminotransferase (ALT, GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT, GGT).
• Pancreatic parameters – lipase