The fluid must first be obtained from the sac surrounding the heart. In some people, a cardiac monitor may be placed prior to the test to monitor for heart disturbances. Patches called electrodes will be placed on the chest similar to an ECG. A chest X-ray or ultrasound may precede the test.

The skin of the chest will be cleansed with antibacterial soap. A trained physician, often a cardiologist, will obtain the sample. A small needle is inserted into the chest between the ribs into the pericardium, the thin sac that surrounds the heart, and a small amount of fluid is withdrawn.

There will be a sensation of pressure and some pain as the needle is inserted into the chest. An ECG and chest X-ray may also follow the procedure. Sometimes the pericardial fluid is obtained during open heart surgery.

Samples of the fluid are placed in various culture media in the laboratory. The media is observed for the growth of colonies of microorganisms (bacteria). Certain biochemical tests can identify certain organisms while others require serological tests or tissue culture to identify organisms.

The availability of results varies from a few hours to several weeks depending on the type of organism.

• Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

• Pericarditis