Blood culture (×2)

CT

LP if not contraindicated (send CSF for PCR for HSV-1 in addition to other tests) (Chapter 123)

Throat swab

Full blood count and film

Blood film for malaria if indicated

Coagulation screen

C-reactive protein

Blood glucose

Sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine

Liver function tests

Creatine kinase

Urinalysis

Toxicology screen if poisoning is possible (send serum (10 mL) + urine (50 mL))

Arterial blood gases and pH

Chest X-ray

Serological testing (if indicated) for other infectious diseases

Immunological tests if suspected autoimmune encephalitis