Sepsis definitions

Question 1

What scores on NEWS, q-SOFA and SIRS should make us think of sepsis?

Answer 1

NEWS >5
qSOFA >2
SIRS >2

Question 2

What investigations do we use to diagnose sepsis?

Answer 2

History
Examination
Microbiology - blood, stool, urine, wound, tissue cultures
- Microscopy: stool, urine, CSF, sputum
- Serology
- Antigen detection
- PCR molecular studies

Question 3

What is BUFALO?

Answer 3

Sepsis intervention tool

B- blood cultures + septic screen, U+Es
U - urine output - monitor hourly
F - fluid resuscitation
A - antibiotics IV (see microbiology guidelines)
L - lactate measurement
O - oxygen to correct hypoxia