Investigations

Consider using reagent strips (e.g. urine dipsticks) ^{a b} to look for leukocyte esterase, glucose and protein levels

Why?

Reagent strips can help diagnose meningitis

Patient	Target Disorder and Reference Standard	Diagnostic Test	LR+ (95% CI)	Post-test Probability	LR- (95% CI)	Post-test Probability
children with suspected meningitis a (pre-test probability: 55%)	bacterial or viral meningitis (laboratory values of CSF glucose, protein and leukocytes)	positive reagent strips to CSF glucose, protein or leukocytes	52 (13 to 200)	98%	0.016 (0.0040 to 0.063)	2%
undergoing lumbar puncture in the emergency department b (pre-test probability: 5%)	bacterial meningitis (CSF culture or 'clinical' meningitis)	positive or trace on leukocyte-esterase dipstick	19 (14 to 28)	49%	0.23 (0.13 to 0.40)	1.1%