II. Indications

  1. Bacterial Meningitis evaluation in children

III. Contraindications: Exclusion Criteria

  1. Neurosurgical history
  2. Immunosuppression
  3. CSF RBC Count >0.1 x10^6/ul
  4. Antibiotic use in last 48 hours

IV. Criteria (1 point for each)

  1. CSF Gram Stain Positive for organisms
  2. CSF Protein >50 mg/dl
  3. Seizure related to current episode
  4. Purpura
  5. Irritability
  6. Serum Procalcitonin >= 0.5ng/ml
  7. Peripheral Absolute Neutrophil Count > 10,000 cells/mm3
  8. CSF Absolute Neutrophil Count >1000 cells/mm3

V. Efficacy

  1. Test Sensitivity: 100% (96-100%)

VI. Interpretation

  1. Positive if presence of any of above (1 or more points)
  2. Suggests higher likelihood of Bacterial Meningitis

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