Appendicitis Tests

Appendicitis is an inflammation (swelling) or infection of your appendix. Your appendix is a small finger-like pouch attached to your large intestine. It's located in the lower right side of your abdomen (belly).

The cause of appendicitis isn't always clear. Your appendix may become inflamed or infected if something blocks the opening where it attaches to your intestine. If appendicitis isn't treated promptly, your appendix can burst and spread bacteria in your abdomen.

This can lead to a life-threatening bacterial infection. A burst appendix can also cause a pus-filled infection in your appendix called an abscess. Appendicitis typically causes abdominal (belly) pain in your right side.

But some people may have different symptoms because their appendix isn't in the usual place. This can make appendicitis hard to diagnose. Appendicitis tests help your health care provider make an accurate diagnosis quickly so you can get proper care.

Appendicitis tests may include: Blood tests to look for signs of infection and inflammation that may mean you have appendicitis. But blood tests can't diagnose appendicitis.; A urine (pee) test to rule out a urinary tract infection and/or a kidney stone. These conditions can cause symptoms similar to appendicitis.; Imaging tests to take pictures of your appendix.

If your symptoms and other tests suggest that you have appendicitis, imaging tests can confirm the diagnosis.; Appendicitis can happen at any age, but it's more common in people in their teens and twenties. The main treatment for appendicitis is an appendectomy, which is surgery to remove the appendix. Your appendix has no known function, and you don't need it to be healthy.

Why this test is done

You may need testing if you have abdominal (belly) pain that usually:

• Starts near your belly button and moves lower and to your right
• Hurts more when you move, take deep breaths, cough, or sneeze
• Gets worse within hours

If you have any severe abdominal pain, it's important to get medical help as soon as possible.

Along with pain, other appendicitis symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling in your abdomen
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Problems passing gas

How to prepare

Blood and urine tests don't require any special preparations.

For imaging tests, you may have to stop eating and drinking for several hours before the test. Your provider will tell you how to prepare.

Sample type

Blood Urine