In a sick patient after a doctor takes blood tests how can he tell if the person has bacterial infection or viral infection what is the differance on the blood test? IF you have a blood tests done and the docotr says you have a bacterial infection is that 100 accurate or could it be a viral infection and he can’t tell a differance?
Dr. Joshua’s Answer:
No test is 100% accurate. Some lab tests, such as CRP, can be helpful in differentiating between a viral and bacterial infection. However, the diagnosis is always based on the history and clinical picture combined with lab and/or radiology.
Generally speaking, if CRP is very high, it’s likely that you have a bacterial infection. Conversely, if CRP is very low, it speaks against a bacterial infection.
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