Blood tests

Blood tests are not routinely required for investigation of wounds unless the aetiology of the wound is unclear or healing is delayed. In these cases, appropriate blood tests may include:

• full blood count (FBC), C-reactive protein (CRP)
• electrolytes, kidney function, liver biochemistry (including albumin)
• thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
• random blood glucose concentration (or HbA1c if the patient has diabetes)
• oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
• iron studies, vitamin B₁₂, folate, vitamin D
• erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• antinuclear antibody (ANA).

Always follow up or obtain existing pathology to avoid repeating investigations that have already been performed.