investigation of the acute abdomen
Last reviewed 01/2018
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