Case Study

Differential Diagnosis: Is it Bacterial Infection or Something Else?


Michael R. Broyles
PharmD – Director of Medical Affairs, Thermo Fisher Scientific



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Key Takeaways

Takeaway #1

Takeaway #1

Lactate is a marker of anaerobic metabolism and has a low sensitivity and specificity for bacterial infection. It should not guide antibiotictherapy.



Takeaway #2

Takeaway #2

If lactate is elevated with a bacterial infection, the patient is likely septic or in septic shock.



Takeaway #3

Takeaway #3

Lactate provides information about perfusion not bacterial infection. PCT provides information about bacterial infection, not perfusion.



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