Training activity information
Details
Select, perform and interpret tests for bacterial and fungal causes of central nervous system infection using the following techniques and suggest options for management:
- Microscopy and cell count
- Culture, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing
- Antigen/antibody detection, eg, pneumococcus, cryptococcus and syphilis
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- The range of pathogens associated with these infections
- Local, national, international guidelines and best practice
- Clinical context, presentation, results from investigations in other specialties, patient age group and immunocompromised status
- Quality assurance
- Health and safety
- Reference and specialist laboratory testing and clinical services
- Appropriate sample types
- Sensitivity testing taking into account local, national and international epidemiology
- Pre-analytical processes, including sampling
- Non-infectious differential diagnoses
- Escalation and urgency of cases with severe consequences
- Notifiable diseases and causative organisms
- Working with the multidisciplinary team
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Select and perform tests to investigate common infections from a range of sample types following guidance and fulfilling health and safety requirements |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Interpret the results of tests used to investigate common infections from a range of sample types with consideration of laboratory quality assurance and quality control |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Identify options for management of common infections based on test results and clinical context, considering infection control, guidelines and public health requirements |