1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests.
- Small blood count
- Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein).
- Pathogen detection (see meningitis diagnostics).
- Coagulation parameters – PTT, Quick
Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and mandatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- CSF puncture (collection of cerebrospinal fluid by puncture of the spinal canal) for CSF diagnosis – only after performing computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging, MRI!
- Meningitis diagnostics (see below meningitis).
- Rheumatism diagnostics – CRP (C-reactive protein) or BSG (blood sedimentation rate); rheumatoid factor (RF), CCP-AK (cyclic citrulline peptide antibodies), ANA (antinuclear antibodies), HLA-B27 if necessary.
- Syphilis serology
- EBV rapid test for the detection of antibodies – for suspected infectious mononucleosis (Pfeiffer’s glandular fever).
