What are the tests for osteomyelitis?

Labs and radiographs: A combination of lab tests, x-rays and advanced imaging techniques are used to diagnose osteomyelitis. Physical exam is also very important to identify the injured area. Fever, chills, fatigue, pain and draining wounds can all be signs of a bone infection. Cbc, c- reactive protein, ESR are typical labs. Plain x-rays, mri's, bone scans and tagged wbc's scan are used to identify abnormal bone.

Bone culture: Is the definitive test, some will argue bone biopsy. Oftentimes, MRI and bone scans or x-rays are used to make the diagnosis as well but are not as definitive. The accuracy goes up when combined with clinical findings.

Multiple: Ct scan, xrays, blood work, biopsy of the bone and cultures of the infected site. A physical examination and vital signs will also be performed.

Several: Radiograph can be normal early.It takes lot of bone destruction to detect infection on radiograph. If patient localizes symptoms than MRI is very sensitive for osteomyelitis Young child or challenged person,not localizing symptoms,bone scan is best test. If question of multifocal disease then bone scan is also helpful.Blood tests show \usually incresed wbcs, and other inflammatory markers..

Imaging: Xrays, MRI, Bone scan, and bone biopsy can diagnose osteomyelitis. ESR or CRP as a blood test can also be helpful when diagnosing osteomyelitis. The clinical picture with a complete history is critical as well.

TESTS: Sed rate, CBC, CRP, X-ray, MRI, white cell scan, biopsy and culture.