Failure to Diagnose Infection
It is possible to confirm the presence of an infection with simple medical tests. If doctors fail to perform these tests or properly analyse the results, causing the patient to suffer unnecessary harm, there may be grounds for a compensation claim.
For more information on claiming compensation for the failure to diagnose infection, please contact us at Glynns Solicitors today.
Blood test
When the body tries to fight off an infection, the immune system will respond by sending white blood cells and antibodies to the area. This will set off a serious of reactions inside the body, some of which can be detected with a simple blood test. This includes:
1. Elevated white blood cells
White blood cells are also known as leukocytes. White blood cells are produced inside the bone marrow and stored in blood and lymphatic tissues. Most white blood cells can be found within the tissues, outside the blood circulation system, where they fight infections.
In cases of infection or inflammation, white blood cells are typically elevated on a standard blood test called a full blood count (FBC). White blood cells can be differentiated by standard laboratory equipment or microscopy.
The normal range for white blood cells in peripheral blood is generally considered to be 4.0 to 11.0 per µl (thousands per cubic millimetre). In the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, there should be less than 4 white blood cells per µl.
If the white blood cell count is high, it signifies that there is an infection inside the body.
2. Increased levels of C-reactive protein
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a type of protein produced by the liver. When there is an inflammation inside the body, increased levels of CRP will be released.
This is relevant with infections because the body will attempt to fight the infection, which in turn will cause the area to become inflamed. Increased levels of C-reactive protein therefore indicate that the body is going through an inflammatory response, which is a possible sign of infection.
Other tests
There are other basic tests that can be conducted to help medical practitioners determine whether there is an infection. For instance, a urine test and a body temperature reading.
Failure to diagnose infection
It is important to note that these tests do not verify exactly what infection is present. Furthermore, any abnormal results may be due to another condition such as cancer, and not because of an infection.
However, if medical practitioners fail to properly investigate a possible infection with basic medical tests, there will be a breach of duty. If this causes a patient significant harm – as it will do with serious infections such as sepsis, peritonitis or meningitis – there may be grounds for a compensation claim. Contact us to find out more.
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