Question

A small child is admitted to the hospital with a possible diagnosis of meningitis. What body fluid should they sample to confirm the diagnosis? Explain.

Answer 1

This is a routine test in paediatrics and should not alarm you. During this procedure, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord) is taken from the lower part of the spinal canal using a hollow needle. Any fluid taken is then tested in a laboratory.