Meningitis is a serious and often contagious inflammation of the meninges membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. KidsHealth.org warns that fast diagnosis and treatment for this illness is important because some types meningitis can be life threatening. Children of any age can get meningitis; it may not be diagnosed immediately because symptoms can be similar to the common flu. This illness can be treated and prevented effectively; it's important for children and adults to receive the correct vaccination and to recognize the symptoms. Common symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache pain, lethargy, light sensitivity of the eyes, stiff neck, irritability, skin rashes and seizures. Urgent medical attention is important, and blood tests can determine whether the child has meningitis and what type it is.
Lumbar Puncture
Several common bacteria and viruses can cause meningitis; these infections can spread from the bloodstream from the cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, which circulates around the spinal cord. A lumbar puncture is done in the lower back to collect a small sample of spinal fluid, as explained by KidsHealth.org. The CSF is then tested to determine whether it contains a meningitis-causing virus or bacteria. A lumbar puncture test can also determine if there are other illnesses, and if there is bleeding in the brain.
Blood Tests
If meningitis is the suspected cause of the symptoms of illness in a child, doctors withdraw a sample of blood and send it to a lab for testing. The blood may be cultured to see if bacteria grow, and which antibiotics are effective against them. Merck.com explains that this type of testing can take up to 24 hours; new technology has made blood test results much faster and more efficient. A blood test is also used to analyze other factors of disease such as white blood cell count, platelet count, protein and abnormal cells.
Other Tests
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that doctors also take samples of blood, mucus and urine to check for meningitis in children who may have this disease. A throat culture may show bacterial or viral organisms that also cause meningitis. These additional tests can also rule out other causes of illness. Swabs may be taken from the nose and skin, if a rash is present. The blood and swab tests can be done in a doctor's clinic, a lab or in a hospital.
