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Can A Blood Culture Test Detect Peritonitis?

Posted on Wed, 24 Aug 2016

Question: Dear Doctor, can you confirm that a blood culture test will confim whether peritontis has began within the 24 hour and 5 day incubatiin period..

Answered by Dr. Ralph Chambers (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. The brief answer is no

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Peritonitis doesn't always cause septicemia that would result in positive blood cultures.

If septicemia did occur, it most likely would occur after three or more days of peritonitis.

Please let me know if you need any more information

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Ralph Chambers (14 minutes later)

thank you doctor, can a abdominal examination rule out pertonitis.and.or general chemistry or crp ..abdominal distension .. what signals are there in emergency to arise your suspicions...

Answered by Dr. Ralph Chambers (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
In general an abdominal exam will show peritonitis

Detailed Answer:
If there is rebound tenderness on the abdominal exam, that's an indication of peritonitis. Usually there will also be an elevated white blood cell count and an elevated CRP. If there is an indication of peritonitis that is usually an indication for immediate surgery.

I will gladly answer any further questions you may have

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ralph Chambers (2 days later)

Thank you doctor, one last question if I can. Would EXTREME abdominal tenderness in the supra pubic region be a sign of peritonitis. There is History of constipation, diverticular disease and colovesical fistula, Pelvic abscess drainage and high anterior resection. 18 cm of bowel removed three years ago all in same operation , so I guess we have a complex abdomen present.

So would abdominal tenderness ( extreme ) be a sign of either Peritonitis or constipation or both.

Thank you for answering my complex question.

Answered by Dr. Ralph Chambers (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Peritonitis does cause extreme pain

Detailed Answer:
Constipation would not cause extreme pain.
But, given the previous surgeries, there could be intestinal blockage from adhesions that can be very painful. The pain of peritonitis is rebound--it hurts to shake the abdomen or to walk.

Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina