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Patient with Suspected Meningitis Age > 56 days — Recommended Laboratory Studies — Clinical Pathway: Emergency, Inpatient

Suspected Meningitis Age > 56 days Clinical Pathway — Emergency Department, Inpatient and ICU

Recommended Laboratory Studies

Labs Comments
Blood culture  
Complete blood count (CBC) with differential  
C-reactive protein (CRP)  
Basic metabolic panel (BMP) This includes sodium, potassium, calcium, and glucose. Consider the addition of phosphate and magnesium if appropriate.
Consider comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) instead of BMP if there is increased suspicion of viral meningitis or encephalitis Viral meningitis or encephalitis may be associated with elevated liver function tests (LFTs).
Consider coagulation testing (PT/INR, PTT) If there is a concern for sepsis or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), coagulation studies may be useful. Abnormal coagulation studies may be a contraindication to LP.

 

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