Investigation of the acute abdomen

Blood tests:

• full blood count - haemoglobin and white cell count
• serum amylase - pancreatitis
• urea and electrolytes
• glucose
• blood group and cross match
• blood gases - adult respiratory distress syndrome, particularly in pancreatitis
• pregnancy test, if available, in women of child bearing age, if there is any possibility they may be pregnant.

Other blood tests:

• liver function tests and calcium - pancreatitis and acute biliary disease
• clotting studies - acute pancreatitis, septicaemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation, history of bleeding disorders, on anticoagulant therapy, liver disease

Urine tests:

• stick test
• microscopy
• culture and sensitivity
• if ureteric colic then strain urine for stones
• pregnancy test, if a blood test is not available

Radiology:

• chest radiology, erect - looking for gas under the diaphragm
• plain abdominal radiology, supine
• ultrasound, for example in suspected pancreatitis or gynaecological pathology
• IVU - if suspecting renal / ureteric colic

Other:

• ECG / cardiac enzymes if appropriate