This site is intended for healthcare professionals

CPD
CPD
Pro
Pro
Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Investigation of the acute abdomen

Authoring team

Blood tests:

  • full blood count - haemoglobin and white cell count
  • serum amylase - pancreatitis
  • urea and electrolytes
  • glucose
  • blood group and cross match
  • blood gases - adult respiratory distress syndrome, particularly in pancreatitis
  • pregnancy test, if available, in women of child bearing age, if there is any possibility they may be pregnant.

Other blood tests:

  • liver function tests and calcium - pancreatitis and acute biliary disease
  • clotting studies - acute pancreatitis, septicaemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation, history of bleeding disorders, on anticoagulant therapy, liver disease

Urine tests:

  • stick test
  • microscopy
  • culture and sensitivity
  • if ureteric colic then strain urine for stones
  • pregnancy test, if a blood test is not available

Radiology:

  • chest radiology, erect - looking for gas under the diaphragm
  • plain abdominal radiology, supine
  • ultrasound, for example in suspected pancreatitis or gynaecological pathology
  • IVU - if suspecting renal / ureteric colic

Other:

  • ECG / cardiac enzymes if appropriate

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.