Serratia Workup

Updated: Oct 25, 2021
  • Author: Payal K Patel, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Michael Stuart Bronze, MD  more...
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Workup

Laboratory Studies

Laboratory studies include the following:

  • CBC count with differential

    • Leukocytosis with neutrophilia

    • Leukopenia (rare)

    • Presence of more than 10% immature neutrophils (ie, bands)

    • Possible anemia

  • Serum biochemistry for glucose, urea, and creatinine

  • Bacterial cultures and antibiograms

    • Blood

    • Urine

    • Samples of abscesses or effusions

    • Catheters suspected of being contaminated

    • Liquid soaps or disinfectants suspected of being contaminated

    • Intravenous fluids suspected of being contaminated

  • Cerebrospinal fluid

    • Polynuclear pleocytosis

    • High protein level

    • Low glucose level

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Imaging Studies

Perform chest radiography in patients with suspected pneumonia or with respiratory distress.

Abdominal ultrasonography or CT scanning is used to rule out obstructive hydronephrosis or intra-abdominal abscesses (eg, hepatic, pancreatic).

Transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography may reveal valvular vegetations and valvular or paravalvular regurgitation.

Perform spinal CT scanning or MRI if spondylitis is suspected.

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Procedures

Lumbar puncture should be performed in all patients with suspected meningitis. Signs of increased intracranial pressure (focal neurologic abnormalities, seizure, altered mental status) should prompt evaluation with CT scanning prior to puncture to exclude cerebral abscess or mass lesion.

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