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Investigation of the acute abdomen

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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

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