Rochester Criteria for Febrile Infants
Identifies febrile infants at low risk of serious bacterial infection.
When to use
Febrile infants up to 60 days, as support for serious bacterial infection risk assessment.
Pearls and pitfalls
- The criteria include age, previous health, skin examination, blood count, urine and stool.
- All criteria must be present to classify low risk.
- Age and clinical appearance remain central; the score does not replace infant assessment.
- Management varies with local protocols and should consider access to follow-up.
0/8 low risk criteria
Low risk criteria not all met
Consider full investigation and admission according to age and clinical picture.
Formula
Count how many of the eight low risk criteria are present; eight of eight defines low risk.
Evidence
Criteria evaluated in a cohort of febrile infants to identify low risk of serious bacterial infection.
References
- Jaskiewicz JA, McCarthy CA, Richardson AC, et al. Febrile infants at low risk for serious bacterial infection: an appraisal of the Rochester criteria and implications for management. Pediatrics. 1994;93(6 Pt 1):983-987. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8065869/
Frequently asked questions
What is Rochester Criteria for Febrile Infants?
Identifies febrile infants at low risk of serious bacterial infection. Febrile infants up to 60 days, as support for serious bacterial infection risk assessment.
How is the result calculated?
Count how many of the eight low risk criteria are present; eight of eight defines low risk.
How should the result be interpreted?
Criteria evaluated in a cohort of febrile infants to identify low risk of serious bacterial infection.
What are the sources?
Jaskiewicz JA, McCarthy CA, Richardson AC, et al. Febrile infants at low risk for serious bacterial infection: an appraisal of the Rochester criteria and implications for management. Pediatrics. 1994;93(6 Pt 1):983-987.