What laboratory tests are indicated for a comprehensive workup?

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Last updated: February 18, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

A comprehensive workup should include laboratory tests such as a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential, blood chemistry tests, including liver and kidney function tests, and measurement of electrolytes, hepatic transaminase enzymes, and total bilirubin 1.

Initial Laboratory Tests

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential to assess for anemia, leukocytosis, or thrombocytopenia 1
  • Blood chemistry tests, including liver and kidney function tests, to evaluate for any underlying organ dysfunction 1
  • Measurement of electrolytes, hepatic transaminase enzymes, and total bilirubin to assess for any electrolyte imbalances or liver dysfunction 1

Additional Tests

  • At least 2 sets of blood cultures to rule out bacteremia or sepsis, with a set collected simultaneously from each lumen of an existing central venous catheter (CVC), if present, and from a peripheral vein site 1
  • Culture specimens from other sites of suspected infection should be obtained as clinically indicated 1
  • Chest radiograph is indicated for patients with respiratory signs or symptoms 1
  • Urinalysis to assess for any urinary tract infections or kidney dysfunction 1
  • Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) or C-Reactive Protein (CRP) to assess for inflammation 1 It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and interpretation of test results.

From the Research

Laboratory Tests for Comprehensive Workup

The following laboratory tests are indicated for a comprehensive workup:

  • Complete blood count with differential 2
  • Hepatic function testing 2
  • Renal function testing 2
  • Thyroid function testing 2
  • Diabetes screening 2
  • Magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) for diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) 3
  • Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for diagnosis of significant hepatic fibrosis 3
  • Serum ferritin testing to identify hyperferritinaemia, a potential biomarker for MASLD and significant fibrosis 3

Additional Testing

Further testing may be guided by history and physical examination findings, such as:

  • Blood eosinophils to serve as a biomarker of T helper cell type 2 polarization and response to immunomodulator therapies in individuals with chronic pruritus of unknown origin 2
  • Biopsy to identify distinct features and guide treatment of multifocal vascular lesions 4
  • Radiological imaging to identify distinct features and guide treatment of multifocal vascular lesions 4

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Itch: Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic workup.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2022

Research

Multifocal vascular lesions.

Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery, 2016

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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