Can Blood Tests Detect Sinus Infection?
Yes and No
The answer to this question depends on what type of blood test you are undergoing and what type of sinus infection you are experiencing. Blood tests can be used to detect certain types of sinus infections, but not all.
Bacterial Sinus Infections
Bacterial sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, are caused by bacteria and can be detected by a blood test. This type of test, called a complete blood count (CBC), measures the number of white blood cells in your blood. An increased number of white blood cells suggests an infection, including a bacterial sinus infection.
Viral Sinus Infections
Viral sinus infections are caused by a virus and cannot be detected with a blood test. There is no blood test that can detect a viral infection, so a diagnosis is usually based on symptoms alone. It is possible, however, to use a blood test to rule out bacterial infection, if the doctor suspects a viral infection.
Fungal Sinus Infections
Fungal sinus infections are caused by a fungus, such as Aspergillus or Mucor. These types of infections can be detected with a blood test, but it is not always reliable. The test measures the levels of a certain type of antibody in the blood called immunoglobulin. If the levels of the immunoglobulin are high, it suggests a fungal infection.
In conclusion, a blood test can be used to detect certain types of sinus infections, but not all. Bacterial sinus infections can be detected with a complete blood count, but viral and fungal infections cannot. If you think you may have a sinus infection, it is best to speak to your doctor about the best course of action.