Laboratory Methods to Aid in the Detection of Sepsis

(based on 615 customer ratings)

Author: Lynne Brodeur, MA, MLS(ASCP)
Reviewer: Julie Ann West, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM, SM(ASCP)CM

This course discusses sepsis and the laboratory tests that are used to detect and intervene in its progression to severe sepsis and septic shock. The usefulness and limitations of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and lactic acid concentration are covered in the course. Novel biomarkers that may prove useful as methods for early detection of severe sepsis in the near future are also discussed.

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Define sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock.
  • Explain how C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and lactic acid are used to aid in the detection and monitoring of sepsis.
  • Explain the mechanisms of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and lactic acid.
  • Discuss novel sepsis biomarkers that are currently being researched.

Course Outline

  • Development and Progression of Sepsis
      • Introduction
      • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Sepsis
      • Sepsis
      • Additional Testing for Diagnosis of Sepsis
      • Septic Shock
      • Sepsis and Bacterial Toxins
      • Which of the following are indicators of sepsis?
      • Blood cultures are critical for the diagnosis of sepsis. Blood culture sets may be collected at 1-hour intervals, or all at once if necessary.
  • Laboratory Tests Used in the Detection of Sepsis
      • Biomarkers
      • Sensitivity versus Specificity
      • C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
      • Procalcitonin (PCT)
      • Procalcitonin (PCT) as a Sepsis Biomarker
      • Lactic Acid (Lactate)
      • Lactic Acid (Lactate), continued
      • Which of the following statements regarding a biomarker with high sensitivity is true?
      • C-reactive protein (CRP) is more useful for monitoring response to antibiotics and predicting prognosis than for actual diagnosis of sepsis.
      • Blood lactic acid concentration is an indicator of impaired circulation and tissue oxygenation in critically ill patients. If circulation and tissue o...
  • Mechanisms of C-Reactive Protein, Procalcitonin, and Lactic Acid
      • Mechanism of C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
      • Mechanism of Procalcitonin (PCT)
      • Mechanism of Lactic Acid (Lactate)
      • Other Causes of Increased Lactic Acid (Lactate) Concentration
      • In healthy individuals, procalcitonin is synthesized by which cells in the body?
      • An elevated lactate level is known to be associated with increased mortality.
  • Future Perspectives
      • Increase in Sepsis Cases
      • Novel Biomarkers That Focus on Immunosuppression
      • Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other candidates
      • The Future: Rapid Point-of-Care (POC) Testing
      • The rise seen each year in the number of cases of sepsis is believed to be caused by which of the following? (Select the best response.)
      • Over 250 biomarkers for sepsis have been researched and most have been deemed acceptable for use in the US (approved by FDA).
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of instruction: Intermediate
 
Intended audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, and MLS students. This course may also be of interest to other health care professionals who are involved in diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.
 
Author information: Lynne Brodeur, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM holds a master of arts degree in teaching. She is currently a full time lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and works per diem in Clinical Chemistry at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, MA.
 
Reviewer information: Dr. Julie Ann West is certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) and as a Specialist in Microbiology (SM). In addition, Dr. West has earned a PhD in Public Health - Infectious Disease Epidemiology - and is Certified in Public Health (CPH) by the National Board of Public Health Examiners. Dr. West is experienced as a Technical Specialist, Safety Officer, Educator, and Lead in the Veterans Administration Healthcare System, and has prior experience as an Administrative Laboratory Director.
Content information: This course discusses sepsis and the laboratory tests that are used to detect and intervene in its progression to severe sepsis and septic shock. The usefulness and limitations of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and lactic acid concentration are covered in the course. Novel biomarkers that may prove useful as methods for early detection of severe sepsis in the near future are also discussed. 

This course is part of:
Compliance & CE
Get a Quote
Procalcitonin makeup. (1)
PCT values and sepsis
sepsis SIRS
Lactate production small
blood culture bottles (shutterstock 1278878608)