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What is a Pyrexia Test?

Published in Fever Diagnosis 2 mins read

A pyrexia test isn't a single, specific test. Instead, "pyrexia" simply refers to a fever, an elevated body temperature above 98.6°F (37°C). Determining the cause of the pyrexia requires further testing. This involves a combination of methods, including:

1. Temperature Measurement:

The first step is confirming the elevated temperature using a thermometer. This establishes the presence of pyrexia.

2. Identifying the Underlying Cause:

Once a fever is confirmed, various tests are used to identify the underlying cause. This could involve:

  • Blood tests: These analyze blood samples to detect infections or inflammation. Common tests include:

    • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Assesses various blood components to detect infection.
    • C-Reactive Protein (CRP): Measures inflammation levels in the body.
    • Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): Measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube, indicating inflammation.
  • Other Diagnostic Tests: Depending on suspected causes, further tests might be ordered. Examples include:

    • Throat swab: To detect strep throat or scarlet fever.
    • Tests for specific infections: Like dengue fever, Lassa fever, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, or Valley Fever, each requiring specific diagnostic tests.
    • Imaging techniques: To visualize organs and identify potential sources of infection.

The choice of tests depends on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and the physician's clinical judgment. Treatment often begins before test results are available, especially in serious cases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (as noted by the CDC). For example, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) might be recommended to manage the fever itself, pending further investigations. In cases where the cause of the fever remains elusive after extensive testing, it is then classified as a "pyrexia of unknown origin" (PUO).