Blood culture | Always |
C-reactive protein | Always, repeat after 18–24 h |
Skin swabs | Not indicated |
Urine MC&S | Not indicated |
Swab of conjunctival discharge | Indicated if discharge is purulent to test for chlamydia and gonococcus |
Lumbar puncture | If CRP >10 mg/L, blood culture positive, clinical suspicion of sepsis/meningitis or no clinical improvement |
MC&S, microscopy, culture and sensitivites.