Pericardial fluid
| About This Test |
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Department: Microbiology, Virology and Molecular Microbiology Requirement: 1ml, ideally 20-25ml Turnaround Time: Microscopy - same day, culture 2-7 days |
Gram stain, culture for common pathogens
Other Comments:
Collection container: Sterile plain container
Special instructions - Relevant clinical data and details of recent or current antimicrobial treatment should be provided:
If unusual organisms suspected, consider sending sample in blood culture bottles (NB not Mycobacterium species)
Specimen transport: If processing is delayed, refrigeration is preferable to storage at ambient temperature