Pleural fluid
| About This Test |
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Department: Microbiology, Virology and Molecular Microbiology Requirement: 1ml, ideally 20-25ml (If Mycobacterium culture required, please send more than 1 container where possible) Turnaround Time: Microscopy - same day, culture 2-7 days |
Gram stain, culture for common pathogens, see Mycobacterium culture if AFB required
Other Comments:
Collection container: Sterile plain container
Special instructions - Relevant clinical data and details if recent or current antimicrobial treatment should be provided:
Specimen transport: If processing is delayed, refrigeration is preferable to storage at ambient temperature