From the Research
Laboratory tests for hypotension should include a complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), thyroid function tests, and cardiac biomarkers, as these tests help identify the underlying cause of hypotension, which is crucial since hypotension is typically a symptom rather than a primary condition 1. The CBC can identify anemia or infection, while the CMP assesses kidney function, electrolyte imbalances, and glucose levels that may contribute to low blood pressure.
- Thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH) testing is important as hypothyroidism can cause hypotension.
- Cardiac markers like troponin and BNP help evaluate if heart problems are causing the hypotension. Additional tests may include:
- Cortisol levels to check for adrenal insufficiency
- Blood cultures if infection is suspected
- Toxicology screening if medication or substance effects are possible causes An ECG should also be performed to assess cardiac rhythm and function. These tests help identify the underlying cause of hypotension, which is crucial since hypotension is typically a symptom rather than a primary condition. The specific combination of tests ordered should be tailored to the patient's clinical presentation, medical history, and suspected etiology of their low blood pressure 1. In hypotensive patients, point-of-care analysis using capillary blood can provide equivalent or correlated results for parameters such as pH, HCO3-, Ca2+, lactate, Na+, K+, Cl-, glucose, Hb, Hct, and creatinine compared to reference analyzers 1. It is essential to note that hypotension is often a symptom of an underlying condition, and the primary aim of diagnostic efforts should be to uncover the underlying disease 2. A complete blood count (CBC) is a valuable test in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions, including those that may cause hypotension, as it provides information on the different components of the blood, such as red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit 3. In the context of hypotension, it is crucial to consider the patient's clinical presentation, medical history, and suspected etiology to guide the selection of laboratory tests, as hypotension can be caused by various factors, including cardiac tamponade, which may not always present with hypotension 4.