Culture - pericardial fluid
Key points
- This is a laboratory test to isolate and identify organisms that cause infection from a specimen of pericardial fluid.
- The fluid must first be obtained from the sac surrounding the heart.
- Food and fluid will probably be restricted for several hours before the test.
- The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and experience.
Alternative names
Pericardial fluid culture
Definition
This is a laboratory test to isolate and identify organisms that cause infection from a specimen of pericardial fluid.
How the test is performed
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the chest between the ribs into the pericardium, the thin sac that surrounds the heart, and a small amount of fluid is withdrawn.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.
How to prepare for the test
Food and fluid will probably be restricted for several hours before the test. A chest X-ray or ultrasound may precede the test to identify the area of fluid collection.
For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and experience. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
- 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)
- School age test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.