Meningitis

(Microbiology)

1. CSF and Blood Cultures are the starting points for investigation - see "cerbrospinal fluid"
2. If BACTERIAL meningitis is suspected, consider -
   1. a. additional samples such as throat swab for culture (Bacteriology) and antigen detection in 5ml clotted blood and 10-20ml urine (Bacteriology);
   2. b. infection control measures, viz. notification, and nose and throat swabs from and chemoprophylaxis for close contacts;
3. If VIRAL meningitis is a possibility, consider -
   1. a. throat swab (in VIROCULT swab) and a stool sample for enterovirus PCR (Virology)

Back

Laboratory Services Home Page