How to Check for Blood Infections?

Blood infections, also known as sepsis or septicaemia, can be life-threatening if not identified and treated promptly. Caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites entering the bloodstream, these infections trigger the body’s immune response, which can sometimes spiral out of control and damage tissues and organs. One of the most reliable and widely used investigations is the hemogram test.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how blood infections are detected, the signs and symptoms to watch out for, and the role of hemogram testing in diagnosis.

What is a Blood Infection?

A blood infection occurs when pathogens enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Unlike a local infection (like a wound infection), blood infections can impact multiple organs at once and are considered a medical emergency. It may originate from a simple infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, or even an infected cut.

Common signs of a blood infection include:

●       High fever with chills

●       Rapid heart rate and breathing

●       Low blood pressure

●       Fatigue or confusion

●       Cold, pale, or mottled skin

●       Reduced urine output

If you or a loved one shows any of these symptoms, especially after an injury or illness, seek medical attention immediately. The good news is that today, diagnostic tools like the hemogram test help identify blood infections early, and the hemogram test price is generally affordable, making it accessible for routine and emergency testing.

What is a Hemogram Test?

The hemogram test, also referred to as a complete blood count (CBC), is a vital diagnostic tool used to evaluate the components of your blood. It provides detailed insights into red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), haemoglobin levels, platelets, and more. While the test does not specifically detect the pathogen causing the infection, it gives strong indicators of infection and inflammation.

Key Components of the Hemogram Test:

1. White Blood Cell (WBC) Count: Elevated WBC levels often signal the presence of an infection.
2. Neutrophils and Lymphocytes: Specific types of WBCs that fight bacterial and viral infections, respectively.
3. Haemoglobin: A low level can point towards anaemia or chronic infection.
4. Platelets: Can be high or low depending on the severity and cause of infection.
5. ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): Often done alongside to evaluate inflammation.

The hemogram test is a first-line investigation and is commonly used in both hospitals and clinics to assess general health and detect early signs of blood infections or other systemic conditions.

How is the Hemogram Test Performed?

The hemogram test is a simple, minimally invasive procedure:

1. A phlebotomist collects a blood sample, usually from a vein in the arm.
2. The sample is placed in a vial and sent to a pathology lab for analysis.
3. Results are typically available within a few hours to a day.

No fasting is usually required unless advised by the doctor for other associated tests. The results are interpreted by a physician, who considers the full clinical picture before diagnosing a blood infection.

Other Tests Used for Blood Infections

While the hemogram test is the first step in identifying infections, additional tests may be ordered to confirm the presence and type of pathogen:

●       Blood Culture Test: Identifies the exact bacteria or fungus in the bloodstream.

●       Procalcitonin Test: Indicates bacterial sepsis or infection severity.

●       C-reactive Protein (CRP): Measures inflammation levels in the body.

●       Liver and Kidney Function Tests: To check for organ damage during severe infections.

All these tests work together to guide treatment and monitor recovery. However, the hemogram remains the foundation for initial screening and urgency assessment.

Why Early Testing Matters?

A delay in diagnosing blood infections can have severe consequences, including septic shock, multi-organ failure, and death. On the other hand, early detection through tests like the hemogram helps doctors:

●       Start antibiotics or antivirals promptly

●       Monitor infection progression

●       Prevent complications

●       Track patient response to treatment

In many cases, the hemogram also assists in ruling out other conditions, such as blood disorders, anaemia, or immune suppression. Therefore, it’s often a routine test for anyone showing signs of systemic infection.

Who Should Consider a Hemogram Test?

You should consider getting a hemogram test done if you experience:

●       Persistent fever or unexplained chills

●       Signs of fatigue, paleness, or unusual bleeding

●       Symptoms of infection that are not improving with time

●       A recent injury, surgery, or hospital stay followed by fever

It’s also frequently recommended for people with chronic illnesses, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or those with weakened immune systems, as they are more prone to blood infections.

Conclusion

Blood infections can escalate quickly but are highly manageable if detected early. The hemogram test plays a crucial role in flagging potential infections, guiding treatment, and monitoring recovery. Considering its diagnostic value, the hemogram test price at Apollo 24|7 is economical and offers excellent insight into your health status.

If you or someone you know experiences signs of infection, don’t wait—speak to a healthcare provider and request a hemogram test. Early intervention can make all the difference in recovery and long-term health.