Food Poisoning - Laboratory Results


Typical Laboratory Results seen in the Food Poisoning Cases

Chemistry Values

Test Type Normal Range Patient Value
Sodium 135 - 142 mEq/L 129
Potassium 3.8 - 5.0 mEq/L 3.5
Bicarbonate (CO2) 21-28 mEq/L 20
Chloride 95 - 103 mEq/L 83

 

Blood Count/Cell Analysis

Test Type Normal Range Patient Value
White Blood Count 5000-10,000 mm3 16,000 mm3
Hematocrit 40-50% 60%

 

Fecal Leukocytes
(expressed as the number/cells per microscopic field)

Normal Values < 5 Patient Value >15

 

Instructor's Notes:

Since the vomiting and diarrhea was of a relatively short duration, we can see the electrolyte values remain mostly within, or slightly below normal limits.

 

As would be expected, the white blood cell count is elevated due to bacterial inflammation.  The patient's hematocrit is higher than normal because of the loss of plasma water volume.

The microscopic test for fecal leukocytes is elevated suggesting there is invasion of the intestinal wall by the bacterium.  This is seen with such food-borne pathogens as Salmonella, Shigella and several others.   The test is useful for determining invasive versus toxin only gastrointestinal illnesses.