OSTEOMYELITIS DIAGNOSIS |
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Diagnosis of osteomyelitis involves
several procedures. Blood is usually drawn and tested to demonstrate
an increased number of the infection-fighting white blood cells
(particularly elevated in children with acute osteomyelitis). Blood
is also cultured in a laboratory, a process which allows any
bacteria present to multiply. A specimen from the culture is then
specially treated, and examined under a microscope to try to
identify the causative bacteria.
Injection of certain radioactive elements into the bloodstream,
followed by a series of x-ray pictures, called a scan (radionuclide
scanning), will reveal areas of bone inflammation. Another type of
scan used to diagnose osteomyelitis is called magnetic resonance
imaging, or MRI
When pockets of pus are available, or overlaying soft tissue
infection exists, these can serve as sources for samples which can
be cultured to allow identification of bacteria present. A long,
sharp needle can be used to obtain a specimen of bone (biopsy),
which can then be tested to attempt to identify any bacteria
present. |
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| OSTEOMYELITIS RELATED ITEMS |
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