Some of the labs for HFMD patients are the same as those for other febrile illnesses, mainly blood work, liver and kidney function, cardiac enzymes, and C-reactive protein, which are mainly used to evaluate whether there are any significant abnormalities in this area of the body. If abnormalities are seen in any of these areas, it indicates that there is damage in any of them. For example, a significantly elevated glutathione aminotransferase indicates inflammation of the liver and significant damage to the liver cells; a significantly elevated cardiac enzyme profile and isoenzyme of creatine kinase indicates associated damage to the heart muscle. If the white blood cell count is significantly elevated to 15 or 20 units in routine blood work, this indicates that the HFMD may be severe. On the other hand, if the C-reactive protein is particularly high, not only above 10 units, but possibly above 30 or 50 units, it indicates that the symptoms of HFMD should be more severe. The presence of elevated blood glucose is also a criterion indicating severe disease. For HFMD you should also look at its pathogens, you can check for antibodies to coxsackievirus type 16 and enterovirus type 71. If either test is positive, it indicates which virus is responsible for the infection. For infections presenting with enterovirus 71, the probability of severe illness and neurological complications is a bit higher.