Rochester Criteria for Febrile Infants
Identifies febrile infants ≤60 days old at low risk of serious bacterial infection (SBI). All criteria must be met for 'low risk' classification.
Score interpretation
Meets all Rochester criteria — low risk of serious bacterial infection (~1–2%)
→ Outpatient management may be considered if reliable follow-up available; CBC, UA, blood culture; NO LP required by criteria alone. Clinical judgment required — do not apply mechanically.
Does not meet all Rochester criteria — higher risk of serious bacterial infection
→ Full septic workup (CBC, blood culture, LP, UA, CXR if respiratory symptoms); empiric IV antibiotics (ampicillin + gentamicin or cefotaxime); admit
Interpretation bands for the Rochester Criteria. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Jaskiewicz JA et al. Febrile infants at low risk for serious bacterial infection — an appraisal of the Rochester criteria and implications for management. Febrile Infant Collaborative Study Group. Pediatrics. 1994;94(3):390–396.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Phenobarbital (Paediatric Epilepsy — Beyond Neonatal) · Barbiturate Anticonvulsant
- Paracetamol (Paediatric) · Analgesic / Antipyretic — First-Line Pain and Fever in Children
- Diazepam (Paediatric) · Benzodiazepine — Status Epilepticus / Febrile Convulsions (Community)
- Dexamethasone (Paediatric) · Corticosteroid — Croup / Bacterial Meningitis / Post-Extubation Stridor / Cerebral Oedema
- Gentamicin (Paediatric) · Aminoglycoside — Neonatal Sepsis / Gram-Negative Infections in Children
- Aciclovir (Paediatric) · Antiviral — HSV Encephalitis / Neonatal Herpes / VZV in Immunocompromised
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.