Laboratory Tests
Laboratory tests are mostly nonspecific: Serum lipase level increases in bone trauma - often misleading. Cytologic examination of urine, blood and sputum with Sudan or oil red O staining may detect fat globules that are either free or in macrophages. This test is not sensitive, however, and does not rule out fat embolism. Blood lipid level is not helpful for diagnosis because circulating fat levels do not correlate with the severity of the syndrome. Decreased hematocrit occurs within 24–48 hours and is attributed to intra-alveolar hemorrhage. Alteration in coagulation and thrombocytopenia. In summary, the diagnosis of FES may be difficult because, except for the petechiae, there are no pathognomonic signs.
Read more about this topic: Fat Embolism
Famous quotes containing the words laboratory and/or tests:
“For a novelist, a given historic situation is an anthropologic laboratory in which he explores his basic question: What is human existence?”
—Milan Kundera (b. 1929)
“From a hasty glance through the various tests I figure it out that I would be classified in Group B, indicating “Low Average Ability,” reserved usually for those just learning to speak the English Language and preparing for a career of holding a spike while another man hits it.”
—Robert Benchley (1889–1945)