What tests rule out meningitis?

For a definitive diagnosis of meningitis, you’ll need a spinal tap to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In people with meningitis, the CSF often shows a low sugar (glucose) level along with an increased white blood cell count and increased protein.

How do you clinically rule out meningitis?

A diagnosis of meningitis can be based partly on a clinical exam. The exam might include a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap. The diagnosis can be confirmed through a culture of the spinal fluid. Often, the bacteria in the spinal fluid can even be seen under a microscope.

Which diagnostic test will differentiate between bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis?

To determine whether a person is suffering from viral or bacterial meningitis, doctors will have to perform a lumbar puncture. This involves collecting a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that surrounds the brain and spinal cord to find out what is causing the meningitis.

Would meningitis show up in a blood test?

When a meningitis diagnosis is suspected, there are several tests your doctor can run to confirm a diagnosis: Blood tests. Standard blood tests to analyze antibodies and foreign proteins can alert your doctor to the presence of infection.

What can be mistaken for meningitis?

Up to age five, the diseases most often suggesting meningitis were right-sided pneumonia, gastroenteritis, otitis, tonsillitis, exanthema subitum, and urinary tract infections.

Which is the only test that can diagnose meningitis?

Cerebrospinal fluid test This is the only test that can truly diagnose meningitis. To perform this test, your doctor inserts a needle into your spine in order to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that’s found around your brain and spinal cord. Then, your doctor sends your CSF to a lab for testing.

How is a lumbar puncture used to diagnose meningitis?

Approach Considerations. In general, whenever the diagnosis of meningitis is strongly considered, a lumbar puncture should be promptly performed. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the cornerstone of the diagnosis. The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is made by culture of the CSF sample.

What does differential blood count show in meningitis?

In patients with bacterial meningitis, a complete blood count (CBC) with differential will demonstrate polymorphonuclear leukocytosis with a left shift. Useful elements of the metabolic panel include the following:

What should a doctor do if you have meningitis?

Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the brain, and an anticonvulsant medication to control seizures. If a herpes virus caused your meningitis, an antiviral medication is available. If the cause of your meningitis is unclear, your doctor may start antiviral and antibiotic treatment while the cause is determined.