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Clinical Assessment for Symptoms of Sepsis (Screening)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test evaluates whether your symptoms meet criteria for suspected sepsis, a serious medical condition requiring prompt medical attention. It does not measure specific lab values but helps guide further evaluation.

Quick summary

["This screening helps determine if you may need urgent medical care for sepsis-related symptoms."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
71476-6
Short code
CLINICALSEPSISSYMPTOMSPRESENT
Synonyms
—
Category
coagulation
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
0.8
Ref high
1.2
Critical range
— – 5 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
esrd
CPT
85610
SNOMED
396252006
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What This Test Measures

This test assesses whether your reported symptoms (e.g., fever, confusion, rapid breathing, or low blood pressure) align with clinical definitions of sepsis. It does not include lab values but flags potential concerns for further evaluation.

Why It’s Done

Your healthcare provider may order this screening if you have symptoms that suggest sepsis, such as unexplained fever, severe pain, or difficulty breathing. It helps prioritize care by identifying patients who may need immediate medical attention.

What to Expect

No blood, urine, or other specimens are drawn for this test. Instead, you’ll answer questions about your symptoms and medical history to determine if further testing is needed.

When Results May Be Used

Results are used to guide next steps, such as ordering additional lab tests (e.g., blood cultures, white blood cell counts) or immediate medical evaluation if sepsis is suspected.

Reference range

INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A

Specimen: serum

Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Sepsis Symptom Screen

Frequently asked questions

Early recognition of sepsis symptoms can lead to quicker treatment, which may improve outcomes. This screening helps healthcare providers identify patients at risk before lab tests confirm specific abnormalities.
This test does not provide lab results or confirm sepsis. If you have severe symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.
Will this test show lab values like blood sugar or infection markers?
No, this test does not measure specific lab values. It focuses on symptom assessment to guide further evaluation.
How soon will I get results?
Results are typically reviewed by your healthcare provider within hours or days, depending on their urgency. They will discuss findings with you.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy