Septic shock is a type of severe sepsis and is treated as a medical emergency.
Sepsis may be suspected if you have an infection and you suddenly develop symptoms such as a very high or very low temperature, and a rapid heart rate or breathing rate. Read more about the symptoms of septic shock.
Several different tests can be used to diagnose the infection that causes sepsis.
Blood tests
To confirm a suspected diagnosis of sepsis, blood tests will be used to look for:
- bacteria in the bloodstream
- a reduced level of oxygen
- an abnormal number of infection-fighting white blood cells
- an abnormally high level of waste products
- a low amount of blood clotting cells (platelets)
Other tests
As well as blood tests, samples of other substances may be sent to a laboratory to be tested for bacteria. Examples include:
- urine
- phlegm from the lungs
- tissue samples from wounds
- the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord, which can be taken during a lumbar puncture
This will help identify the infection that is causing sepsis.
If you have a catheter (a tube that allows urine to pass out of your body) and it may be the source of the bacterial infection, it may be removed. The tip can be cut off and tested for bacteria.
Monitoring your condition
If you have sepsis, you will be admitted to hospital immediately so that your blood pressure and vital organs can be monitored.
A number of tests may be done to check how well your vital organs, such as your heart and lungs, are working. You may have an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record your heart rhythm and determine whether there is a sufficient flow of blood to your heart.
During an ECG, electrodes are put on your arms, legs and chest. The electrodes are connected to a machine that records the electrical signals of each heartbeat. An abnormal ECG reading could suggest the muscles of your heart are not receiving enough blood.
