State the common diagnostic tests for infection and the
purpose of each.
The diagnostic test is used to collect the clinical information for making a clinical decision. The results from the physical examination, X-rays, pregnancy tests, biopsies, and medical histories are the examples of diagnostic tests. The diagnostic test will help to identify the causative agent of an infection. Specimens must be collected from the patient to diagnose the disease.
The clinical specimens must be examined carefully and quickly to get an accurate result. The specimens are collected based on the type of the infection suspected,. based on the culture techniques, and staining techniques. Drug sensitivity tests like disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration method are also performed as a part of the diagnostic tests.
The common diagnostic tests include:
Blood test
A blood test is a common diagnostic test for many infections. It is done to detect the presence of antibodies in the blood. It will confirm the diagnosis mostly in the viral infection. Leukocytosis is a bacterial infection that causes an increase in the number of white blood cells. Leucopenia is a viral infection that results in the decrease in the number of white blood cells present in the blood. A blood test will help to detect these diseases.
Lymphocytes and monocytes present in the blood will increase as a result of the chronic infection and neutrophils will increase as a result of the acute infections. The elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate is an indicator of inflammation.
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