Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose a ruptured spleen include:

• Physical exam. Your doctor will press on your abdomen to determine the size of your spleen and whether it's tender.
• Blood tests. Blood tests will evaluate factors such as platelet count and how well your blood clots.
• Checking for blood in your abdominal cavity. In emergency situations, your doctor might either use an ultrasound or draw a sample of fluid from your abdomen with a needle. If the sample reveals blood in your abdomen, you might be referred for emergency surgery.
• Imaging tests of your abdomen. If your diagnosis isn't clear, your doctor might recommend an abdominal CT scan, possibly with contrast dye, or another imaging test to look for other possible causes of your symptoms.