Table 2

Investigations to consider in children aged >3 months

Red Amber Green

  • FBC, blood culture, C reactive protein

  • Urine testing

  • Following investigation guided by clinical assessment

    • Lumbar puncture

    • Chest X-ray

    • Serum electrolytes

    • Blood gas

  • All the investigation under 'red' should be organised unless considered to be unnecessary by an experienced paediatrician

  • Lumbar puncture should be considered for children <1 year

  • Chest X-ray for a child with fever >39°C and WBC >20×109 /L even in absence of respiratory symptoms

  • Urine testing

  • FBC, full blood count; WBC, white blood cell.