Diagnosis of Sepsis:

Symptoms of sepsis can be vague in an infant.  Therefore, laboratory tests play a crucial role in confirming or ruling out sepsis:

• Blood tests: Blood cultures may be taken to determine whether bacteria are present in the blood.
• Urine Test: Urine is usually collected by inserting a sterile catheter into the baby's bladder through the urethra for a few seconds to remove urine; this will be examined under a microscope and cultured to check for the presence of bacteria.
• A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will be tested and cultured to determine if the baby could have meningitis.
• X-rays: X-rays especially of the chest are sometimes taken.

A person may have sepsis if he or she has:

• A blood culture that is infected with bacteria
• A high or low white blood cell count
• A low platelet count
• Abnormal kidney or liver function
• Acidosis