Modified Levinson's test in rapid diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis.

Modified Levinson's precipitation test was done in 64 cases of TBM, 54 cases of TBM with inconsistent CSF finding, and 32 cases of pyogenic meningitis. The test was positive in 93.7% cases of TBM (sensitivity, 93.7%), 85.5% cases of TBM with doubtful diagnosis and in 9.4% cases of pyogenic meningitis (specificity 90.6%) compared to 79.7%, 72.2% and 18.8% in original Levinson's test, respectively. With CSF examination only 66% cases of TBM could be diagnosed while with modified Levinson's test and CSF analysis 89% cases could be diagnosed (p < 0.001). So modified Levinson's test for diagnosis of TBM is better than Levinson's test (p < 0.05) with an added advantage of time saving.