Food Poisoning Tests & Diagnosis

There are several food poisoning tests medical professionals uses to diagnose food poisoning, usually being able to pinpoint exact causes, whether they be bacterial or viral. Some of these tests include the following:

● A stool sample may be needed for doctors to determine if the patient has consumed any contaminated food.
● Blood tests may be administered if symptoms are particularly severe, and can help rule out causes such as bacterial infections. Blood tests also help doctors determine if the patient is in need of treatment for dehydration.
● High-risk individuals may require a toxoplasmosis test. To learn more about this test, consult FoodSafety.gov’s section on high-risk groups.

A physical examination can be used to identify symptoms of food poisoning that may need to be treated on an individual level, such as dehydration due to excessive vomiting. Weakness can be diagnosed from physical examinations and may help identify the specific type of illness. Blood pressure, pulse, and temperature are also measured to check for signs of illness, and can usually indicate dehydration. In some cases, a temperature may be taken to help identify the illness if the patient has a fever.

It is always best to go to a local medical service in order to get diagnosed with foodborne illness so that the proper treatment can be administered. Although it usually just takes rest and constant fluid to cure most food poisoning illnesses, it is safest to consult a professional. For more information on tests and diagnoses, consult such sources as the Center for Disease Control.