Gram – CSF: 3+ (6-10/oif) neutrophils, 3+ (11-50/oif) gram negative coccobacilli (Haemophilus influenzae)- Shipped February 13, 2018 –
HISTORY
A simulated CSF smear collected from a 6 month old female was sent to category A, B, C, and C1 laboratories.
Participants were expected to report the presence neutrophils and gram negative coccobacilli.
MAIN EDUCATIONAL POINTS from GS174-2
- Gram stain examination may help to identify potential causes of bacterial meningitis, but negative results do not rule out a bacterial etiology.
- Bacterial cells may not be visible if antibiotics have been administered prior to lumbar puncture