Does appendicitis require a blood test?

Sep 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

In general, whether blood tests are needed for appendicitis depends on the specific condition. Blood tests are usually required when appendicitis is suspected or confirmed. However, if the abdominal pain is mild and appendicitis is highly unlikely, blood tests may not be necessary. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly so that a doctor can evaluate the situation and make appropriate decisions. Once appendicitis is diagnosed, follow the doctor's instructions for treatment and ensure adequate rest after surgery.

In general, whether blood tests are needed for appendicitis depends on the specific condition. Blood draws are typically required when appendicitis is suspected or confirmed; however, if abdominal pain is mild and appendicitis is highly unlikely, blood testing may not be necessary. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly so that a doctor can evaluate the situation and make an informed decision. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If symptoms suggestive of appendicitis—such as shifting pain to the lower right abdomen, nausea, and vomiting—are present, or if a physical examination by a doctor preliminarily indicates appendicitis, blood tests are usually required. These tests assess parameters such as complete blood count and C-reactive protein levels. Elevated white blood cell count and increased neutrophil percentage help determine the presence and severity of bacterial infection, providing critical information for diagnosis and treatment planning.

If only mild abdominal discomfort is present, and through patient history, physical examination, and imaging such as ultrasound, the doctor determines that appendicitis is very unlikely and attributes the pain to minor causes like gastrointestinal dysfunction, blood tests may not be needed. Excessive testing not only increases medical costs but may also subject patients to unnecessary discomfort from venipuncture.

Once appendicitis is diagnosed, follow medical advice for treatment. After surgery, ensure adequate rest, gradually transition your diet from liquid to normal food, keep the surgical wound clean and dry, and promote recovery.

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When to remove stitches after appendicitis surgery?

The timing for suture removal after appendectomy mainly depends on the surgical method and wound healing. Most patients have their stitches removed 5 to 10 days after surgery, although the exact timing should be adjusted according to individual circumstances. In daily life, it is important to keep the wound clean and dry before suture removal, avoiding contact with water and friction to prevent infection. After suture removal, strenuous exercise and activities involving abdominal strain should be avoided in the short term to minimize tension on the wound.

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What foods should patients with appendicitis avoid eating?

Under normal circumstances, patients with appendicitis should avoid eating spicy and irritating foods, greasy and heavy foods, gas-producing foods, raw and cold foods, and high-fiber foods, as these types of food may increase the burden on the intestines, irritate the inflamed area, and hinder recovery. In daily life, in addition to dietary adjustments, patients with appendicitis should also pay attention to rest and avoid strenuous exercise.

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What is the routine CRP test?

CRP (C-reactive protein) rises significantly within a short period during bacterial infections, acute inflammatory episodes, or physical trauma, and the degree of elevation correlates with the severity of the inflammation. For example, in bacterial infections such as pneumonia and appendicitis, CRP levels often increase markedly, aiding physicians in rapidly determining the type of infection and assessing disease progression. If abnormalities are detected, prompt medical attention is recommended.