What additional point is added to the Centor Criteria for patients under age 15?

The Centor Criteria is a clinical tool used to assess the likelihood of streptococcal pharyngitis based on specific clinical findings. For patients under age 15, the criteria allow for the addition of one point to the overall score. This adjustment recognizes that younger patients have a higher incidence of strep throat compared to older populations.

By adding a point for patients under age 15, healthcare providers can better identify those who may benefit from testing or treatment for streptococcal infections. This age-specific adjustment helps to improve the accuracy of the Centor Criteria when evaluating potential cases of pharyngitis in children. As a result, it enhances clinical decision-making by helping to differentiate between viral and bacterial infections based on a more tailored scoring system.