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Appendicitis Tests Test

Appendicitis tests help your health care provider quickly diagnose inflammation or infection of the appendix. They include blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests to confirm or rule out appendicitis.

What this test measures

Appendicitis tests look for signs of infection and inflammation in the blood, rule out other causes of symptoms like urinary tract infection or kidney stones, and take pictures of the appendix to check for blockage, enlargement, bursting, or abscess.

What your results mean

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.

Higher-than-normal results

A high white blood cell count means you probably have an infection, but it doesn't show the cause. A high level of c-reactive protein (CRP) means inflammation that could be from appendicitis. A high level of white blood cells or bacteria in urine may mean a urinary tract infection. Blood, crystals, or high minerals in urine may mean kidney stones.

Frequently asked questions

What is appendicitis?

Appendicitis is inflammation or infection of your appendix, a small finger-like pouch attached to your large intestine in the lower right side of your belly.

What tests are used for appendicitis?

Tests include blood tests for infection and inflammation, urine tests to rule out other conditions, and imaging tests to take pictures of your appendix.

Can blood tests alone diagnose appendicitis?

No, blood tests can show signs of infection or inflammation but cannot diagnose appendicitis by themselves.

What does a high white blood cell count mean?

A high white blood cell count means you probably have an infection, but it doesn't show what is causing the infection.

What is the treatment for appendicitis?

The main treatment is surgery to remove the appendix, called an appendectomy. If the appendix has burst, surgery must be done right away to clean the infection.

Related lab tests

Sources

Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.