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Alternative names Return to top
Culture - pleural fluidDefinition Return to top
Pleural fluid culture is a laboratory test performed on pleural fluid (fluid in the space around the lungs). The test isolates and identifies organisms that cause infection.How the test is performed Return to top
A sample of pleural fluid is placed on culture plates containing growth media. When colonies of microorganisms have reached sufficient size, a series of biochemical tests are performed to identify specific organisms.How to prepare for the test Return to top
It is important not to cough, breathe deeply, or move when the fluid sample is being taken. There is no other special preparation for the test.How the test will feel Return to top
The specimen is obtained by thoracentesis, a needle aspiration of fluid in the pleural space. A small area on the chest is cleansed with antibacterial soap and numbed with local anesthetic. A needle is placed between the ribs, and a sample of fluid is withdrawn from the chest.
You may feel a stinging sensation when the anesthetic in injected. You may feel some pressure and slight localized pain when the thoracentesis needle enters the pleural space. A chest x-ray is usually done following the test to be sure the lung tissue was not affected by the test.
Why the test is performed Return to top
The test is performed when infection of the pleural space is suspected, or when an abnormal collection of pleural fluid shows on a chest x-ray.Normal Values Return to top
Normally, no organisms are present in the pleural fluid.
What abnormal results mean Return to top
Abnormal results may indicate pneumonia, tuberculosis, or a lung abscess. Pulmonary nocardiosis is an additional condition under which the test may be performed.What the risks are Return to top
There is a risk of internal bleeding into the lung and pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Serious complications are extremely rare.Special considerations Return to top
The fluid smear cost and the cost of the procedure to obtain the specimen are charged separately. Other tests may be done on the sample of fluid obtained.
Update Date: 1/27/2004 Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University Hospital, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |