TABLE 59-3.
Modified Centor Score and Culture Management Approach for Pharyngitis
| CRITERIA | POINTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature > 38° C | 1 | |
| Absence of cough | 1 | |
| Swollen, tender anterior cervical nodes | 1 | |
| Tonsillar swelling or exudate | 1 | |
| Age | ||
| 3-14 yr | 1 | |
| 15-44 yr | 0 | |
| 45 yr or older | −1 | |
| SCORE | RISK OF STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTION | SUGGESTED MANAGEMENT |
| ≤0 | 1%-2.5% | No further testing or antibiotic |
| 1 | 5%-10% | |
| 2 | 11%-17% | Culture all: antibiotics only for positive culture results |
| 3 | 28%-35% | |
| ≥4 | 51%-53% | Treat empirically with antibiotics and/or culture |
From McIsaac WJ, Kellner JD, Aufricht P, et al. Empirical validation of guidelines for the management of pharyngitis in children and adults. JAMA. 2004;291:1587-1595; with permission.