NEC: Diagnosis

Initial Presenting signs and symptoms of NEC may be nonspecific and resemble those of sepsis or general prematurity: episodes of apnea and bradycardia, lethargy, temperature instability.  However, the development of residuals from feeds, stools that are either guiac positive or frankly bloody, alterations in the abdominal exam, and radiologic changes should point to NEC.
 
 

Diagnostic Tests
CBC Increased or Decreased WBC 
50% have platelets less than 50,000
Blood Culture
Stool Guiac
ABGs
Serum Potassium May be high if hemolytic process
Stool for specific virus If epidemic at facility
X-ray films