Simple laboratory tests are playing an important role in risk stratification of COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2 continues to baffle medical experts with its presentations. It is crucial for clinicians to identify early, those who are at risk. This will aid them in recognizing the future need for admission to ICU, improve allocation of patients for specific therapies and initiation of preventive strategies. While initially it was assumed that the virus damages only the lungs, studies have concluded its impact on various other organs too. Routine parameters in blood and urine are useful to provide novel insights in the patho-physiology of COVID-19 and its severity. Significant reduction in Absolute Lymphocyte Count and Hemoglobin, is associated with increase in total WBC count, absolute Neutrophil count, ESR, Prothrombin Time and Pro-calcitonin. These lab findings, especially elevated Ferritin, suggest an imminent ‘Cytokine Storm’ which might lead to complications like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Pneumonia and Multi-organ Failure (MOD). Important laborat...