Podcast
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?
- To determine glucose levels in the blood
- To evaluate the presence of infectious bacteria (correct)
- To measure blood pressure
- To confirm the presence of antibodies
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?
- Clear appearance and elevated protein
- Clear appearance and elevated glucose
- Cloudy appearance and decreased glucose (correct)
- Cloudy appearance and normal WBC count
Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) is utilized in CSF analysis primarily to:
Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) is utilized in CSF analysis primarily to:
- Measure the overall white blood cell count
- Identify the specific type of bacteria present
- Determine the presence of proteins in the blood
- Ascertain whether the infectious agent is viral or protozoa (correct)
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?
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?
Flashcards
CSF analysis
CSF analysis
A diagnostic procedure that analyzes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), collected via lumbar puncture, to identify meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis
Bacterial meningitis
Meningitis caused by bacteria, characterized by cloudy CSF, elevated WBC, elevated protein, and decreased glucose.
Viral meningitis
Viral meningitis
Meningitis caused by a virus, characterized by clear CSF and elevated WBC.
Culture and sensitivity
Culture and sensitivity
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Elevated CSF pressure
Elevated CSF pressure
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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
- 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.
