Brain abscess laboratory tests

Overview

 * There are basically no confirmatory blood studies.
 * Patients usually have a moderate leukocytosis (< 20k), yet up to 40% can have a normal WBC count.
 * The ESR is usually elevated in the 40 – 50 range, but again, can also be normal.
 * Blood cultures are usually negative, but should be obtained just in case they are positive.
 * The LP is usually not helpful, and the risks are thought to outweigh the benefits.
 * If done, the protein and cell counts are usually elevated and CSF Cx are usually negative.


 * Obtaining tissue is obviously the gold standard and will demonstrate the pathogen in close to 100% of cases.