ABSTRACT
The diagnostic test C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and haematological scoring system provide results in a shorter time than cultures, and have been used to help to determine the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of CRP and haematological scoring systems in relation to positive blood culture results. The CRP test showed sensitivity and specificity of 92.8% and 62%, respectively. The haematological scoring system showed a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 82.7%. Both the CRP and haematological scoring system were sensitive to prediction of positive blood culture. However, the haematological scoring system showed better specificity than CRP. Both tools can be used to assist in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis in resource-limited settings.
