It is variable. Cell counts specifically the number of white and red cells are usually available within 30 minutes. this can suggest the presence of meningitis but doesn’t give much info about the causative agent ( viral vs bacterial) though it can give you a basis for a guess. Definitive testing includes PCR tests for common viral and bacterial causes and can take hours to days. The gold standard is a culture that usually takes 48 hours. All patients are admitted and treated with IV antibiotics until culture results are available (unless there is positive pcr before that). If the culture is negative at 48 hours usually it is presumed to e viral (not contagious and no further treatment needed). If bacterial meningitis is confirmed by pcr or culture 7-10 days of antibiotics are needed, usually I.V. occasionally bacterial meningitis will be assumed even if testing negative if the patient has an infectious contact and the right symptoms. If bacterial meningitis is confirmed or strongly suspected close contacts will often be started on oral antibiotics prophylactically. Probably more than you wanted to know…
Thank you, for this very useful information.
Obviously, all those associated with the school will be anxious to see the results of the testing. The entire community must be very worried.
Nope, not too much at all. Thanks for the info.