When Should Ziehl-Neelsen Staining be Ordered in Pediatrics?
Pediatricians should consider ordering Ziehl-Neelsen staining when a child presents with symptoms consistent with TB, such as persistent cough, weight loss, fever, night sweats, or a positive TB skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). It is also indicated in cases of suspected extrapulmonary tuberculosis like lymphadenitis, meningitis, or osteomyelitis.