Investigations
1st investigations to order
full blood count
Test
Indicated in patients with significant burns. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia may be indicators of sepsis.
Result
may show low haematocrit, hypovolaemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia
metabolic panel
Test
Indicated in patients with significant burns.
Result
may show high levels of urea, creatinine, glucose; hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia
carboxyhaemoglobin
Test
Indicated if inhalation injury is suspected.
Result
high levels in inhalation injury
arterial blood gas
Test
Indicated if inhalation injury is suspected.
Result
may show metabolic acidosis in inhalation injury
fluorescein staining
Test
Subtle corneal burns require fluorescein staining. Any suspicion of eye injury warrants an ophthalmological consultation.
Result
damaged corneal epithelial cells in corneal burns
computed tomography scan of head and spine
Test
May be indicated based on injury mechanism and history.
Result
may show brain injury or fracture in cases of head or spine trauma
wound biopsy culture
Test
Indicated if sepsis is suspected.
Result
positive for causative organism in wound infection
wound histology
Test
Indicated if sepsis is suspected.
Result
may show wound infection
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