Fluid: Pleural, Pericardial ( Microbiology )
Specimen Collection: Aseptically aspirated fluid. Specimens should be collected into a sterile container. Anticoagulant may be inhibitory to some organisms, therefore is not recommended for specimens requiring culture. Collection of a separate aliquot with anticoagulant is advised for microscopy. Inoculation of blood culture bottles is advised where enough volume of fluid is available.
Microbiology
Mon - Sun, 0800 - 2400
Microscopy 2 hours / Culture 5 days
Microscopy (Cell count / differential) & culture. Biochemistry tests as requested (COBAS CCE analyser)
Pleural fluids suggestive of empyema or lung abscess will be cultured for anaerobes. Pericardial fluids that are visibly blood stained will be tested for haemoglobin and protein estimations to ensure the specimen is pericardial fluid and not blood.
Processing available urgently as call out via Clinician request 2400 - 0800 hrs.
