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