sepsis workup
Diagnostic evaluation to identify or rule out bacterial infection in newborns.
Full Definition
A sepsis workup is a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation performed when bacterial infection is suspected in a newborn. The workup typically includes blood culture, complete blood count with differential, C-reactive protein or procalcitonin, and often cerebrospinal fluid analysis via lumbar puncture. Urine culture may be included in older infants. The evaluation aims to identify bacterial pathogens and guide antibiotic therapy decisions. Given the nonspecific signs of infection in newborns and the potential for rapid deterioration, sepsis workups are often initiated based on clinical suspicion rather than definitive symptoms. Results help determine the need for continued antibiotic therapy.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound noun; may be abbreviated as 'sep workup' in informal documentation.
In Context
- "A complete sepsis workup was performed due to the infant's temperature instability and lethargy." — admission note
- "The sepsis workup was negative, allowing for discontinuation of empiric antibiotics after 48 hours." — progress note