Fever of Uncertain Source (in a 0-60 Day-Old)
Explanation | What to expect | Testing your infant | Test results | Information for the doctor
Your 0 to 60-day old infant is being evaluated for a fever above 100.4°F (38°C), and the reason for the fever is not obvious. Many different things can cause a fever. The most common causes are bacterial or viral infections.
What can I expect when I take my infant to the doctor?
First, a caregiver will ask you questions about your infant's illness. Then, the caregiver will examine your infant. If the caregiver is concerned that your infant may have a serious infection, tests may be done on your infant's urine, blood, and/or spinal fluid to determine the cause of the fever.
Testing your infant
How will urine be collected?
The area where your infant urinates will be cleansed. A small, flexible tube, or catheter, will be inserted into your infant's bladder to obtain urine. The catheter will be in place only long enough to collect the urine sample and then will be removed. This specimen will tell the doctor if your infant may have an infection in his/her urine.
How will blood be collected?
Blood is collected by inserting a needle into a vein. A thin plastic tube, called an IV, will be left in the blood vessel until it is no longer needed. This specimen will tell the doctor if your infant may have an infection in his/her blood.
How is spinal fluid collected?
A spinal tap, or lumbar puncture, is done to remove a small amount of spinal fluid. It is very important for your infant to remain still during the procedure; therefore, someone will hold your infant during the test. The caregiver will cleanse the area and then place a needle between the bones in the lower part of the spine. The needle does not enter the spinal cord because the test is done in the lower back below the level to which the spinal cord extends. A small amount of fluid will drip into tubes. Once enough fluid has been obtained, the needle will be removed and a bandaid will be placed over the area.
Test results
The urine, blood, and/or spinal fluid specimens will be tested for the presence of bacteria and/or viruses. Early test results will be available within two hours. Other tests, called cultures, check to see if bacteria grow from the blood, urine or spinal fluid samples; preliminary culture results are available in 36 hours.
Bacteria
There are many types of bacteria that can cause infections. These bacteria can be found in the urine, blood, and/or spinal fluid. Your infant may be treated with antibiotics through the IV while you are waiting for the test results.
Viruses
Like bacteria, there are also many different viruses that can cause a fever. Most viruses cannot be treated with medications. Antibiotics work only on bacteria.
Information for the doctor
Your child's caregiver may be interested in knowing:
How awake or sleepy your infant is
If your infant has a fever
If your infant is fussy or irritable
How well your infant is eating
If your infant is vomiting or having diarrhea
How many wet diapers your infant has had in the past 24 hours
If your infant has a rash or bumps on the skin
If your infant is having any breathing problems
If anyone in your household has recently been sick, has had a rash or has had cold sores
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Rev. 11/09
