If a soft tissue infection such as necrotising fasciitis is suspected, investigations must be ordered immediately to aid a diagnosis.
What investigations are needed when diagnosing necrotising fasciitis?
The following investigations are useful when diagnosing necrotising fasciitis:
1. Blood tests
Blood tests will show abnormalities in the early stages of infection. Most notably there will be a raised C reactive protein (CRP) which shows the body is having an inflammatory response. With necrotising fasciitis the CRP will be highly abnormal, giving a good indication that something is wrong.
However, blood cultures can take a long time to analyse, so it is best to continue with other tests rather than wait for the results. Indeed, necrotising fasciitis is a medical emergency so a diagnosis must not be delayed.
2. Imaging tests
Imaging tests can help to reveal changes in the tissue. A CT scan in particular can show swelling in the fascia, inflammation and gas in the soft tissues.
However, emergency access to imaging tests are not always available and do not always produce specific results.
3. Surgical exploration
Surgical exploration involves cutting open the tissue while the patient is under general anaesthetic. An incision is made over the skin of the most significant skin change, down through the underlying tissues. If the tissue is found to be necrotic, it should be cut away until healthy tissue is reached. The presentation may be referred to as ‘dishwater’ which is liquefied necrotic tissue.
Surgical exploration is the best investigation for necrotising fasciitis. It can also lead immediately to the treatment of necrotising fasciitis, whereby the dead tissue is surgically removed.
4. Send specimens for histology
If there still doubt over a diagnosis during surgical exploration, specimens of the affected tissue can be sent to the laboratory for testing.
Necrotising fasciitis not diagnosed quickly enough
The decision to proceed with surgical exploration should not be delayed. It is the best way to confirm whether there is an aggressive soft tissue infection and offers the chance to perform immediate treatment.
If medical practitioners fail to investigation the possibility of necrotising fasciitis quickly enough, causing a delay in diagnosis and treatment, there may be grounds for a compensation claim.
Contact us today
For more information on claiming compensation for necrotising fasciitis, please get in touch with our specialist legal team today. We are experts in necrotising fasciitis claims and will be able to help you further.
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