Caterpillar Envenomation Workup

Updated: Jul 18, 2022
  • Author: Andrew G Park, DO, MPH, FAWM; Chief Editor: Joe Alcock, MD, MS  more...
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Workup

Laboratory Studies

Laboratory studies are generally not required for caterpillar stings unless evidence of coagulopathy is present, as in some New World caterpillars in the family Saturniidae (Lonomia species). Those that may be warranted include the following:

  • Hematology: CBC
  • Coagulation studies: Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen level, fibrin degradation products, D-dimer assay, urine bedside test for blood
  • Renal function studies: Creatinine, BUN
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Imaging Studies

A chest radiograph is reasonable if the patient has significant respiratory symptoms.

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