Appendicitis Tests
Appendicitis is an inflammation (swelling) or infection of your appendix.
Appendicitis is an inflammation (swelling) or infection of your appendix. Your appendix is a small finger-like pouch attached to your large intestine. It's located in the lower right side of your abdomen (belly). The cause of appendicitis isn't always clear. Your appendix may become inflamed or infected if something blocks the opening where it attaches to your intestine. If appendicitis isn't treated promptly, your appendix can burst and spread bacteria in your abdomen. This can lead to a life-threatening bacterial infection . A burst appendix can also cause a pus-filled infection in your appendix called an abscess . Appendicitis typically causes abdominal (belly) pain in your right side. But some people may have different symptoms because their appendix isn't in the usual place. This can make appendicitis hard to diagnose. Appendicitis tests help your health care provider make an accurate diagnosis quickly so you can get proper care. Appendicitis tests may include: Blood tests to look for signs of infection and inflammation that may mean you have appendicitis. But blood tests can't diagnose appendicitis. A urine (pee) test to rule out a urinary tract infection and/or a kidney stone . These conditions can cause symptoms similar to appendicitis. Imaging tests to take pictures of your appendix. If your symptoms and other tests suggest that you have appendicitis, imaging tests can confirm the diagnosis. Appendicitis can happen at any age, but it's more common in people in their teens and twenties. The main treatment for appendicitis is an appendectomy, which is surgery to remove the appendix. Your appendix has no known function, and you don't need it to be healthy.
Why is this test ordered? You may need testing if you have abdominal (belly) pain that usually: Starts near your belly button and moves lower and to your right Hurts more when you move, take deep breaths, cough, or sneeze Gets worse within hours If you have any severe abdominal pain , it's important to get medical help as soon as possible. Along with pain, other appendicitis symptoms include: Nausea and vomiting Fever Loss of appetite Swelling in your abdomen Diarrhea or c onstipation Problems passing gas
Clinical Interpretation
To confirm or rule out appendicitis, your provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, and the results of your exam and appendicitis tests. Blood test results: A high white blood cell count means you probably have an infection. But the test results don't show what's causing the infection. It's also possible to have appendicitis with a normal white blood cell count. A high level of c-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood means that you have inflammation in your body that could be from appendicitis. But this test alone can't diagnose appendicitis. Urine test results: A high level of white blood cells or bacteria in your urine may means that a urinary tract infection is causing your symptoms. Blood , crystals or high levels of certain minerals in your urine may mean that kidney stones are causing your symptoms. Imaging test results: An appendix that is blocked, larger than normal, burst, or has an abscess means that you probably have appendicitis. If your appendix looks normal , imaging tests may help find other problems that could be causing abdominal pain. If your provider diagnoses appendicitis, you'll usually have surgery to remove your appendix as soon as possible before it can burst. If your appendix has already burst, you must have surgery right away. The surgeon will remove your appendix and clean the infection from your abdomen. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results .
Clinical Protocol & Patient Advice
- 1
Blood and urine tests don't require any special preparations. For imaging tests , you may have to stop eating and drinking for several hours before the test. Your provider will tell you how to prepare.
Usage Guidance
- Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Always discuss your specific results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. View the original.