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DNA Labs India

Sepsis Panel Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Sepsis Panel Test

Short Name: Sepsis Panel

Also known as: SEPSIS PANEL, Sepsis Screening Panel, Sepsis Markers Panel, Procalcitonin, CRP, Lactate & Culture Panel

Sepsis Panel Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹5,000. Uses ECLIA, Immunoturbidimetry, Rapid Automated Aerobic culture on Blood (serum and whole blood for culture) samples. Results in Interim reports are issued at 24 and 48 hours, with a final report on day 6. Gram stain or organism identification may be communicated earlier when positive.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Physician🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal

Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal

Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026

Overview

The purpose of the Sepsis Panel Test is to support diagnosis of sepsis in patients with signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and suspected infection. It combines biomarkers that detect inflammation, tissue hypoxia and bacterial invasion with blood culture to identify the causative organism when present.

Test Code
3637
Price
₹5,000
Sample Type
Blood (serum and whole blood for culture)
Result Time
Interim reports are issued at 24 and 48 hours, with a final report on day 6. Gram stain or organism identification may be communicated earlier when positive.
Fasting Required
No
Method
ECLIA, Immunoturbidimetry, Rapid Automated Aerobic culture
Step 1

Sample Collection

No special preparation required. Inform your doctor or phlebotomist about any recent antibiotic use and medical conditions.

Method: Aseptic collection from two different sites; gentle swirling of culture bottles

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A trained healthcare professional will collect blood aseptically from two different sites. For culture bottles, blood is added directly to special aerobic bottles and gently swirled.

Step 3

Report Delivery

Keep pressure over the puncture site for a few minutes. Resume normal activity unless directed otherwise. Seek help if bleeding or severe discomfort occurs.

Timeline: Interim reports are issued at 24 and 48 hours, with a final report on day 6. Gram stain or organism identification may be communicated earlier when positive.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:No special preparation required. Inform your clinician about recent antibiotics, chronic diseases or hospital exposure.
2
During the Test:Blood collection is done from two separate sites to reduce contamination and improve culture yield. Ensure the sample bottles are not exposed to cold/refrigeration.
3
After the Test:You can resume normal activities. The site may be slightly tender; report any persistent bleeding or swelling.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

The purpose of the Sepsis Panel Test is to support diagnosis of sepsis in patients with signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and suspected infection. It combines biomarkers that detect inflammation, tissue hypoxia and bacterial invasion with blood culture to identify the causative organism when present.

How to Prepare

  • Blood should be collected from two different sites.
  • Use special Plus Aerobic bottles for adults and Paeds Plus bottles for children below 12 years.
  • Mix cultures by gentle swirling.
  • Do not refrigerate blood culture bottles; ship at room temperature.
  • Serum should be separated into the SST tube as per laboratory protocol.

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670

"Early diagnosis and timely antibiotics are essential in sepsis management. This panel helps identify high-risk patients quickly, but results must always be interpreted in the full clinical context."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeBlood (serum and whole blood for culture)
Sample Volume5 mL (3 mL min.) serum from 1 SST and 8-10 mL blood aseptically each in 2 special Plus Aerobic bottles. For children <12 years: 2 mL blood each in 2 Special Paeds Plus bottles.
Container1 SST and 2 special Plus Aerobic blood culture bottles; use Paeds Plus bottles for children under 12 years
Collection MethodAseptic collection from two different sites; gentle swirling of culture bottles

Sample Stability

Room Temperature48 hours
RefrigeratorNot valid (NA)
FrozenNot valid (NA)
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Unlabelled or mismatched patient samples
  • Clotted serum samples
  • Insufficient blood volume
  • Non-sterile or suspected contaminated collection
  • Blood culture bottles not transported at room temperature
  • Expired blood culture bottles
  • Grossly haemolysed samples

Understanding Your Results

Sepsis Panel results should be interpreted by a clinician in the context of the patient's history, examination and other laboratory findings.
📊

Elevated WBC with left shift

May suggest bacterial infection or sepsis, but can also occur in non-infective stress states.

📊

Elevated CRP

Indicates systemic inflammation; not specific for infection or sepsis.

📊

Procalcitonin >0.5 ng/mL

Increases the likelihood of bacterial sepsis; should be interpreted with clinical context.

📊

Lactate >2.0 mmol/L

Suggests tissue hypoperfusion and is associated with increased sepsis severity.

📊

Positive aerobic blood culture

Identifies a possible causative organism; correlation with clinical infection is required before treatment decisions.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Consult an emergency physician immediately if sepsis is suspected. Fever, rapid heart rate, fast breathing, confusion, chills or low blood pressure can indicate a medical emergency and require urgent care.

Limitations

  • ⚠No single biomarker can confirm sepsis; results must be combined with clinical assessment.
  • ⚠Blood cultures may be negative in patients who received antibiotics before sample collection.
  • ⚠Localised infections may not produce positive blood cultures.
  • ⚠Reference ranges and cut-offs may vary between laboratories and assays.

Risks & Considerations

  • ●Mild pain or bruising at the puncture site
  • ●Rare bleeding or haematoma
  • ●Rare infection at the venepuncture site
  • ●Rare light-headedness or dizziness

Interfering Factors

  • ●Recent antibiotic therapy before culture may reduce culture yield.
  • ●CRP may be elevated in many non-infectious inflammatory conditions.
  • ●Procalcitonin may be affected by renal dysfunction or prolonged haemodialysis.
  • ●Haemolysed, clotted or insufficient samples can affect WBC, CRP and lactate results.
  • ●Improperly collected or transported blood culture bottles can cause contamination or failure to grow.

Compare With Similar Tests

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ComparisonSepsis Panel Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Sepsis Panel test?
A Sepsis Panel is a blood test that combines inflammatory markers, lactate and paired aerobic blood cultures to help healthcare providers evaluate suspected sepsis.
How much does the Sepsis Panel test cost at DNA Labs India?
The Sepsis Panel test costs Rs 5000 at DNA Labs India, and the price includes free home sample collection for online bookings.
Is fasting required before the Sepsis Panel test?
No, fasting is not required. There is no special preparation for the Sepsis Panel test.
Why are blood samples collected from two different sites?
Collecting blood from two different sites improves the sensitivity of blood cultures and reduces the risk of mistaking skin contaminants for true infection.
What markers are included in the Sepsis Panel?
The panel includes white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, lactate and paired aerobic blood culture.
When will I get the Sepsis Panel test report?
Interim reports are available in 24 and 48 hours; the final report is usually available by day 6.
Should I stop antibiotics before giving the blood culture sample?
Do not stop any medicine without your doctor's advice. Inform your doctor if you have recently taken antibiotics, because they may lower the chance of a positive culture.
What does a high procalcitonin level mean?
A high procalcitonin level may indicate a bacterial infection or sepsis. It should be interpreted by a doctor along with other tests and clinical findings.
Can a negative blood culture rule out sepsis?
No. A negative blood culture does not rule out sepsis, especially if antibiotics were given earlier or the infection is localised.
Is the Sepsis Panel test safe?
Yes, it is a routine blood test. The main risks are mild pain, bruising or rare infection at the puncture site.
Can the sample be collected at home?
Yes, DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection for online bookings in many cities across India.
How should blood culture bottles be transported?
Blood culture bottles should be transported at room temperature and must not be refrigerated or frozen.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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For Hospitals & Clinics

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We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.

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