Exams and Tests

The doctor will try to make the correct diagnosis. It helps if the patient is able to produce the spider in question. That can often be difficult, because most victims don't even realize they have been bitten before developing symptoms.

• The doctor will ask about the bite event, time elapsed since the bite, other medical problems, medications, and allergies.
  
  
• Laboratory studies, which may be performed include complete blood count, electrolytes, kidney function studies, blood clotting studies, and urinalysis.
  
  
• No specific lab findings can confirm a brown recluse bite. Therefore, a presumptive diagnosis can occur only after a careful history and examination including the likelihood of a bite depending on the part of the country where the patient was bitten. This diagnosis can be confirmed if the spider is available and identified as a brown recluse.