Question 1

What is Severe bacterial infections?

Accepted Answer

Severe bacterial infections are life-threatening conditions where harmful bacteria invade the bloodstream or organs, potentially leading to sepsis. They are caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa overwhelming the immune system. The Lysozyme blood test is the most important test for monitoring immune response because it measures the enzyme that actively destroys bacterial cell walls during infection.

Question 2

What causes severe bacterial infections?

Accepted Answer

Severe bacterial infections are caused by pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa entering the bloodstream or deep tissues. These bacteria multiply rapidly and release toxins that trigger an overwhelming immune response, potentially leading to sepsis, organ failure, and shock. The infection can originate from wounds, surgical sites, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or medical devices like catheters.

Question 3

What is the best test for severe bacterial infections?

Accepted Answer

The Lysozyme blood test is the most important test for monitoring severe bacterial infections because it measures the enzyme your immune system produces to destroy bacterial cell walls. Elevated lysozyme levels indicate your body is actively fighting a bacterial invasion, helping doctors assess infection severity and treatment effectiveness. This test works alongside blood cultures that identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, complete blood counts showing white blood cell response, and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and procalcitonin that confirm the presence of bacterial infection rather than viral illness.

Question 4

When should I get tested for severe bacterial infections?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you develop high fever above 101°F with chills, rapid heartbeat or breathing, extreme fatigue or confusion, severe pain or swelling at a wound site, or symptoms worsening despite treatment. People who recently had surgery, have weakened immune systems, or use medical devices like catheters should test immediately when infection signs appear. Getting tested early is critical because severe bacterial infections can progress to life-threatening sepsis within hours if untreated.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of severe bacterial infections?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of severe bacterial infections include high fever over 101°F, severe chills and shaking, rapid heart rate above 90 beats per minute, difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, confusion or disorientation, extreme weakness or fatigue, and severe pain at the infection site. You might also notice red streaks spreading from a wound, pus or foul-smelling drainage, cold or clammy skin, decreased urination, and unusually low blood pressure. In sepsis cases, symptoms can escalate to include mottled skin, loss of consciousness, and organ failure signs.

Question 6

Who is at risk for severe bacterial infections?

Accepted Answer

People with weakened immune systems from chemotherapy, HIV, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases are at highest risk for severe bacterial infections. Others at increased risk include hospitalized patients with surgical wounds or invasive medical devices, newborns and elderly adults with less robust immune defenses, individuals with chronic conditions like kidney disease or liver cirrhosis, and those taking immunosuppressive medications. Recent surgery, burn injuries, or open wounds provide entry points for bacteria to invade deeper tissues and bloodstream.

Question 7

What happens if severe bacterial infections are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated severe bacterial infections rapidly progress to sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. This causes widespread inflammation, blood clots forming in small vessels, dangerously low blood pressure, and multiple organ failure affecting the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart. Septic shock develops when blood pressure drops so low that organs cannot receive adequate oxygen, leading to tissue death. Without immediate antibiotic treatment and medical intervention, severe bacterial infections have a mortality rate exceeding 30 percent.

Question 8

Can severe bacterial infections be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests are essential for diagnosing and monitoring severe bacterial infections. The Lysozyme test measures immune enzyme activity fighting bacteria, while blood cultures identify the specific bacteria causing infection and determine which antibiotics will work. Complete blood counts reveal elevated white blood cells indicating infection, and inflammatory markers like procalcitonin and C-reactive protein distinguish bacterial from viral infections. These tests help doctors assess infection severity, guide antibiotic selection, and monitor whether treatment is working effectively.

Question 9

How is a severe bacterial infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Severe bacterial infections require immediate treatment with broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics that are later adjusted based on blood culture results identifying the specific bacteria. Treatment typically happens in the hospital with IV fluids to maintain blood pressure, oxygen support for breathing difficulties, and medications to support organ function. Doctors may need to drain abscesses, remove infected tissue, or take out contaminated medical devices. Treatment duration ranges from several days to weeks depending on infection severity and location, with regular blood tests monitoring progress.

Question 10

How can I prevent severe bacterial infections?

Accepted Answer

Prevent severe bacterial infections by keeping wounds clean and covered with sterile bandages, washing hands thoroughly before touching wounds or medical devices, and seeking immediate treatment for minor infections before they spread. If you have a catheter or IV line, follow strict hygiene protocols for care and watch for infection signs. People at high risk should stay current on vaccinations including pneumonia and flu shots, manage chronic conditions like diabetes to maintain immune function, and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use that creates resistant bacteria.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support recovery from bacterial infections?

Accepted Answer

While severe bacterial infections require medical treatment, you can support recovery by staying well-hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks, getting adequate rest to help your immune system fight infection, and eating protein-rich foods to support healing. Keep the infected area clean and dry, take all prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed even if you feel better, and monitor your temperature regularly. Report worsening symptoms immediately, including fever above 101°F, increased pain or swelling, confusion, or difficulty breathing, as these signal the need for urgent medical attention.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Severe Bacterial Infection Blood Test

What is Severe bacterial infections?

What causes severe bacterial infections?

What is the best test for severe bacterial infections?

When should I get tested for severe bacterial infections?

References

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