Diagnostic Tests for Hypothermia
Diagnostic Test list for Hypothermia:
The list of diagnostic tests
mentioned in various sources as
used in the diagnosis of Hypothermia
includes:
- Physical examination
- Temperature - (Hypothermia is defined as a fall in the core (i.e. rectal) temperature to below 35 degrees Celsius).
- Examine for features of hypothermia including reduced pulse rate, shallow breathing, muscle stiffness, reduced reflexes, reduced blood pressure
- Examine for enlarged thyroid which may suggest hypothyroidism
- Examine for postural hypotension and pigmentation characteristic of Addison's disease
- Full neurological investigation looking for evidence of stroke, epidural or subdural haematoma or thiamine deficiency
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Electrocardiograph (ECG) - examining for arrhythmias due to hypothermia which may include tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation or aystole.
- Radiological investigations
- Chest X-Ray
- CT Scan of Brain, if any nervous system abnormalities or disorders of consciousness are present
Home Diagnostic Testing
These home medical tests may be relevant to Hypothermia causes:
- Cold & Flu: Home Testing:
Tests and diagnosis discussion for Hypothermia:
To figure out whether someone is suffering from hypothermia, take
his or her temperature with a thermometer. First shake the
thermometer to below its lowest point. Then, if the temperature
appears to be below 96° F (35.5° C) or it can’t be read on an oral
thermometer, take the person’s temperature again using a rectal
thermometer for a more exact reading. If the thermometer still does
not show the temperature or is below 96 degrees F, call for
emergency help. The only way to tell accurately if a person has
hypothermia is to use a special thermometer that can read
temperatures below 94° F (34° C). Most hospitals have these
thermometers. (Source: excerpt from Accidental Hypothermia - Age Page - Health Information: NIA)
» Next page: Glossary
Rate This Website
What do you think about the features of this website?
Take our user survey and have your say:
Website User Survey
Medical Tools & Articles:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
- Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
