This test is ordered when a person has symptoms of peritonitis, such as abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and distension, and there is a suspicion of a bacterial infection in the peritoneal fluid.
When this test is required
This test is ordered when a person has symptoms of peritonitis, such as abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and distension, and there is a suspicion of a bacterial infection in the peritoneal fluid.
What the Test Detects
This test detects the presence of bacteria in peritoneal fluid using a culture and sensitivity method. The Gram stain provides information about the type of bacteria present in the fluid, which can guide appropriate treatment.
Preparation for the Test
No specific preparation is required for this test.
Sample Requirements
This test requires a sample of peritoneal fluid collected through a procedure called a paracentesis.
Additional Notes
Early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections in the peritoneal fluid are critical to achieving a good outcome. A positive result on the culture and sensitivity test should be followed up with appropriate treatment guided by the sensitivity profile of the bacteria. The Gram stain method is not always sensitive enough to detect low levels of bacteria in the fluid, so a negative result does not rule out the possibility of a bacterial infection.
