Blood test

A blood test is one of the standard examinations in hospitals, which is performed on almost every patient. Many different values are tested. One part of the test is to determine the amount of blood cells.

The blood contains different types of cells, such as red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes) and blood platelets (thrombocytes). The white blood cells are involved in the body’s own defence system and are elevated during inflammation. Therefore, elevated white blood cell levels are to be expected in appendicitis.

In addition to this sign of inflammation, there are other values that indicate an inflammation in the body. The liver produces a protein called CRP, which is also elevated in inflammation. Some other laboratory values may rule out other possible diseases or make them more likely. However, a normal laboratory picture does not necessarily mean that appendicitis is not present in every case, and vice versa, elevated inflammation values only mean inflammation and not necessarily appendicitis. The laboratory findings must therefore always be compared with the condition of the person concerned.

Imaging techniques

The ultrasound examination is a quickly available examination without side effects and can often also be carried out in general practitioners’ practices. The ultrasound waves are reflected differently by different organs and substances and thus produce an image. In the case of appendicitis, a large, stiff appendix can be made visible.

The wall of the appendix can look like a target with several rings, as this is thickened in case of inflammation. However, the appendix can also be covered by the large intestine, so that it is not visible. Computed tomography is an examination method that works with X-rays.

Particularly in older and overweight people, an ultrasound examination is often not easy to perform and CT is a suitable alternative. In addition, other abdominal organs are also clearly visible on CT, so that other possible causes of pain can also be identified. The appendix appears in the CT similar to the ultrasound as being distended and target like.

In CT, the radiation exposure is relatively high, which is why it is not the method of choice. The inflamed appendix is also clearly visible in the MRT. Unlike CT, MRI does not involve radiation exposure and therefore has few side effects.

However, an MRI is not available everywhere and even in some hospitals it has to be started up specifically. Those affected are pushed into a tube and have to lie still for a few minutes. This is often not possible with small children. The MRI is not absolutely necessary in most cases of appendicitis. To protect the unborn child, the MRI is the method of choice for pregnant women.