Description

Diverticulitis is a gastrointestinal condition that arises when small pouches (diverticula) in the wall of the large intestine become inflamed or infected. This blood panel is designed to assess key biomarkers that reflect inflammation, infection, and overall organ function, helping guide clinical decisions around treatment and the need for further intervention.

Common Symptoms of Diverticulitis:

  • Sudden or gradual lower abdominal pain, typically on the left side
  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation or changes in bowel habits
  • Bloating
  • Blood in stool (in some cases)

Risk Factors and Contributing Causes:

  • Genetics (family history)
  • A low-fiber, high red meat diet
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Use of certain medications, such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids
  • Low vitamin D levels

Tests Included in the Diverticulitis Blood Panel:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  • Purpose: Evaluates red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.
  • Biomarker Role: Elevated white blood cell (WBC) count can be a biomarker of infection or inflammation. Anemia may be present if there is bleeding.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) with eGFR

  • Purpose: Measures glucose, electrolytes, liver enzymes, kidney function, and more.
  • Biomarker Role: Provides biomarkers of organ function, hydration status, and metabolic balance. May reveal complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or impaired kidney function due to infection or inflammation.

Fasting Requirements:

  • Fasting is not required for this panel.

How This Panel Helps:

By identifying biomarkers of inflammation, infection, and organ function, the Diverticulitis Blood Panel supports a timely and accurate diagnosis, helping clinicians determine whether conservative treatment (e.g., antibiotics and dietary changes) is sufficient or if more aggressive interventions are needed. It is especially useful when symptoms are severe, recurrent, or unclear in origin.

Conclusion:

The Diverticulitis Blood Panel offers a targeted approach to assessing key health indicators during an episode of diverticulitis. Understanding your biomarker levels can aid in personalized treatment planning, prevent complications, and support recovery.