Pericardial Fluid for Bacterial C/S (Aerobic) with Gram Stain

Specimen Required

Pericardial Fluid

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

The Pericardial Fluid for Bacterial C/S (Aerobic) with Gram Stain test is performed to diagnose and identify bacterial infections that affect the pericardium, the sac-like structure surrounding the heart. The test is ordered when a person shows symptoms of pericarditis, which include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fever. It is also ordered when there is a suspicion of a bacterial infection in the pericardial fluid, which can occur due to various reasons such as trauma, surgery, or other underlying medical conditions.

When this test is required

The test is typically requested by a healthcare provider when a patient presents with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fever, which may indicate an infection of the pericardium.

What the Test Detects

The test “Pericardial Fluid for Bacterial C/S (Aerobic) with Gram Stain” is a laboratory test that is performed to identify the presence of bacteria in the pericardial fluid, which is the fluid that surrounds the heart.

Preparation for the Test

In summary, the Pericardial Fluid for Bacterial C/S (Aerobic) with Gram Stain test is ordered when there is a suspicion of a bacterial infection in the pericardial fluid, which can cause symptoms of pericarditis. The test requires a pericardial fluid sample collected through pericardiocentesis and does not require any specific preparations.

Sample Requirements

There are no specific preparations required for the test. However, the healthcare provider may instruct the person to stop taking certain medications that can interfere with the test results. It is also important to inform the healthcare provider of any allergies or medical conditions before the test.

Additional Notes

In addition to the bacterial culture and gram stain, the laboratory may also perform additional tests such as antibiotic susceptibility testing to determine which antibiotics are most effective against the identified bacteria. It is important to note that the results of the test should always be interpreted in the context of the patient’s clinical presentation and other laboratory tests.

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