Which laboratory test is commonly used in the diagnosis of Sepsis?

Lactate levels are commonly utilized in the diagnosis of sepsis as they provide critical information about the patient's metabolic status and tissue perfusion. When sepsis occurs, widespread infection can lead to tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia, resulting in anaerobic metabolism, which increases lactate production. Elevated lactate levels indicate that the body's tissues are not receiving adequate oxygen, which is a hallmark of sepsis and can reflect the severity of the condition.

Monitoring lactate levels helps clinicians assess the patient's response to treatment and may guide further therapeutic interventions. In contrast, the other tests listed would not serve as primary diagnostic tools for sepsis: D-dimer levels are more commonly associated with the diagnosis of conditions like pulmonary embolism, BNP levels are related to heart failure, and the sweat chloride test is primarily used for diagnosing cystic fibrosis.