UCLA Sepsis Initiative

Elderly man smiling on hospital bed

Sepsis Initiative

The goal of the UCLA Health Sepsis Initiative is early recognition and treatment of Sepsis, Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock through the use of the sepsis assessment screen and the implementation of the Early Management Bundle for Severe Sepsis/Septic Shock. The objective is to reduce sepsis related mortality rates and improve patient outcomes across the UCLA Health System.

Contact Us

We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback! For more information, please contact the Sepsis Team at [email protected].

Sepsis lab work

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis can be defined as the body’s response to an infection. An infection is caused by microorganisms or “germs” (usually bacteria) invading the body, and can be limited to a particular body region (eg. open wound) or can be widespread in the bloodstream (often called “septicemia” or “blood poisoning”). Sepsis is a medical emergency just like a heart attack or stroke because there is an interruption of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and vital organs such as the brain, intestines, liver, kidneys and lungs.

FAQs

1. Can anyone get sepsis?
2. Is Sepsis uncommon?
3. If Sepsis is such a serious condition, why have I never heard of sepsis before?
4. What is the difference between Sepsis and Septic Shock?
5. Can Sepsis be prevented?

Sepsis cells

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