Fluid Culture
Test Code
CXFLD
Description
Collect
Pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, ascites,
joint, and synovial fluids
Sterile screw-cap container, capped syringe without needle, or
anaerobic transport system.
Preferred volume: 3 mL fluid
Specimen Preparation
Fluids should be transported to the lab as soon as possible.
A Legionella plate is set up on all pleural fluid samples.
Pediatric Collection
Minimum volume: 2 mL
Unacceptable Conditions
Frozen.
Storage Transport Temp
Room temperature. Specimens should be processed within 30 - 60 minutes of collection.
Specimens may be refrigerated for up to 2 hours if there is a delay in transport to the lab.
Stability
2 Hours
Notes
Gram stain included with culture, performed same day.
Pleural fluid culture period is 14 days. All other culture period is 5 days.
Performed
7 days a week
Methodology
Conventional Culture
Reported
5-14 days
Department
Microbiology LabSynonyms
FLUID
Reference Interval
By Report
CPT Code
87070