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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of performing a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis in suspected meningitis cases?
What is the primary purpose of performing a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis in suspected meningitis cases?
Which of the following findings in CSF analysis would indicate a bacterial infection?
Which of the following findings in CSF analysis would indicate a bacterial infection?
Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) is utilized in CSF analysis primarily to:
Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) is utilized in CSF analysis primarily to:
What would indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in a patient suspected of having meningitis?
What would indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in a patient suspected of having meningitis?
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Which laboratory test can provide initial guidance on the selection of an antimicrobial for hospitalized patients?
Which laboratory test can provide initial guidance on the selection of an antimicrobial for hospitalized patients?
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Study Notes
Laboratory Tests for Meningitis
- Culture and Sensitivity Tests: Urine, throat, nose, and blood cultures identify possible infectious bacteria and a suitable broad-spectrum antibiotic. These tests are helpful in initial antibiotic selection but not definitive for meningitis.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Elevated white blood cell (WBC) count is a potential indicator of infection.
Diagnostic Procedures for Meningitis
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Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis: CSF analysis is the most definitive diagnostic method. It's obtained through a lumbar puncture.
- CSF Appearance: Cloudy appearance indicates bacterial meningitis; clear appearance suggests viral meningitis.
- Elevated CSF WBC: A key sign of meningitis.
- Elevated CSF Protein: Another indicator of meningitis.
- Decreased CSF Glucose (Bacterial): Characteristic of bacterial meningitis.
- Elevated CSF Pressure: Indicates increased intracranial pressure, a potential symptom.
- Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE): Used on CSF to determine if the infection is viral or protozoal. It is also indicated if antibiotics were administered before CSF collection.
- CT Scan and MRI: These imaging techniques identify increased intracranial pressure and/or brain abscesses.
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Description
This quiz covers essential laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures for meningitis, focusing on culture and sensitivity tests, CBC, and CSF analysis. Understand how these tests help identify the presence and type of infection in patients. Dive into distinguishing characteristics of bacterial versus viral meningitis.
