Guidelines for Antimicrobial Use

Diagnostic Investigations (where facilities are available)

One blood smear and/or RDT at least is required for malarial parasite detection (repeat blood smear once more if the initial smear is negative in an endemic region).
Complete blood count:Anemia, leucopenia /leukocytosis, elevated hematocrit or thrombocytopenia are all helpful in diagnosis.
Diagnostic blood cultures (at least two sets) are to be drawn prior to the start of empiric antibiotics.
Liver enzymes and bilirubin
Urinalysis – white blood cells, proteinuria and hematuria.
Chest roentgenogram (if chest findings are present, to rule out early pneumonia or TB)
Ultrasonography of abdomen if fever persists to rule out hepatic, renal or intraabdominal sources of infection.
Within 96 hours of onset of fever, antigen based serological tests are likely to be positive whereas antibody tests are generally positive after at least 5-7 days of illness.