title: Laboratory tests in critical care.
abstract: A simple clinical index can be utilized to identify occult bacterial infections in the critical care unit. Use of this index enables the critical care physician to estimate the likelihood of occult infection, thus reducing and directing the diagnostic effort. This article reviews nonspecific screening tests used in the index.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
authors.forename: N K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Midha
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Stratton
mesh_terms: D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D004653:Empyema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008581:Meningitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D008853:Microscopy; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D018805:Sepsis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D002097:C-Reactive Protein