Fluid Culture

Test Includes

Culture and gram stain

Critical Value

Growth indicating a positive culture

Summary Test Name

Fluid Culture

Container Microbiology

Body fluids (CSF, Amniotic Fluid, Bile Fluid, Pleural Fluid, Culdecentesis Fluid, Hydrocele Fluid, Joint Fluid) in a sterile tube or capped syringe

Transport Time

Deliver to lab within 1 hour of collection. Do not refrigerate.

Minimum Volume

1 ml fluid

Specimen Transport

Room Temperature

Test Turnaround Time Routines And Stats

Negative at 3 days; interims at 18 and 24 hours

Reference Value

No Growth

Test Results

Identification & sensitivity performed on potential pathogens regardless of quantity