Sepsis Is a Medical Emergency
Sepsis, also known as septicemia (or “blood poisoning”), happens when an infection that’s unidentified or untreated spreads through the blood stream. Bacterial infections, such as infected wounds (including cuts and scrapes), urinary tract infections, pneumonia, dental infections and post-operative infections can all lead to sepsis, as can viruses, including COVID-19.
Sepsis can affect anyone, even healthy people, although those most at risk are people with chronic diseases like diabetes, people who are immunocompromised, infants and elderly people.
The death rate increases as much as 8% for every hour treatment is delayed. It is the #1 cause of death in U.S. hospitals. Up to 80% of sepsis deaths could be prevented with rapid diagnosis and early treatment.
Symptoms of Sepsis
Early symptoms can be vague and may be overlooked, so it is important to know the signs of sepsis and take action. The most common symptoms are fever, chills, rapid breathing and confusion.
If you or a loved one has these symptoms, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
When sepsis develops, it’s a life-threatening emergency. The immune system starts fighting the infection, attacking organs and tissues, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.
- Fever or low body temperature
- Chills
- Rapid heart rate
- Problems breathing
- Rash
- Confusion or disorientation
- Light-headed feeling (caused by sudden drop in blood pressure)
Diagnosing and Treating Sepsis
The Emergency Department at Froedtert Hospital uses a lab test called Intellisep® to help find sepsis when doctors suspect a patient has an infection and possible sepsis.
The test involves a simple blood draw. Then, in a lab, white blood cells are quickly and accurately analyzed for the probability of sepsis infection. This is a quick test, with results available in about 30 minutes. The results can help the doctor determine a patient’s likelihood of developing sepsis within three days.
Armed with this information, emergency room doctors and clinicians can make life-saving treatment decisions. If sepsis is discovered, it can be treated with antibiotics and fluids. Sometimes, it also requires surgery or other care to treat the cause of the infection. In general, patients who are tested using a rapid test for sepsis spend less time in the emergency room.
Other Diagnostic Options for Sepsis
Where IntelliSep isn’t available, emergency room doctors can still diagnose and treat sepsis. The doctor evaluates your medical history and symptoms, performs a physical exam, and may order blood tests, such as a complete blood count that analyzes white blood cells. If you have a high amount of white blood cells, you may have infection. Too few white blood cells could mean you are at risk of developing an infection. Other blood tests, a urine test and imaging may also be recommended. If your doctor suspects sepsis, an appropriate treatment plan will be recommended.
High-Caliber Emergency Departments
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HIV Screening in Our Emergency Departments
Based on the most current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, our emergency departments screen emergency patients ages 18 to 64 for HIV if they are having blood work done. You can decide if you do not want to be tested for HIV. You will receive care and treatment no matter what you choose.
Test results may be available while you are in the Emergency Department. If you leave before your test results are available, they will be available in the Froedtert & MCW app and MyChart. You may be contacted by a member of your care team if you need follow-up testing or care.
Our HIV Care and Prevention Program is here to help answer questions about your HIV test after you leave the Emergency Department. You can reach them at 414-805-6444.
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