investigations
Last reviewed 01/2018
Investigations should be appropriate to the severity of the condition in a particular patient. They include:
Blood tests:
- coagulation studies, glucose, and potassium as soon as possible
- full blood count, group and save, bilirubin, albumin, AST, amylase
- hepatitis serology, paracetamol levels, serum copper and caeruloplasmin, plus 24 hour copper where appropriate
Radiology:
- chest radiograph
- ultrasound scan of liver and pancreas
Others:
- blood cultures, even if the patient is afebrile
- arterial blood gases - a CNS induced respiratory alkalosis or metabolic acidosis may occur
- ECG