1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests.
- Pathogen culture* from blood, CSF, pus, etc. (Caveat: rapid processing, because low environmental resistance).
- Microscopic preparation* and detection of capsular antigens as rapid detection in meningitis (meningitis).
* Direct or indirect detection of the pathogen is reportable under the Infection Protection Act (IfSG), if the evidence indicates an acute infection.
Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and the obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- Small blood count
- Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or PCT (procalcitonin).
- Liver parameters – alanine aminotransferase (ALT, GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT, GGT).
- Renal parameters – creatinine, urea.
- Coagulation parameters – Quick, INR, PTT
- Blood cultures, smears from drains, etc.