Test Code LAB3627 Pericardial Fluid Culture
Clinical System Name
Pericardial Fluid Culture
Synonyms
Pericardial Fluid
Pericardium
LAB3627
Sample Requirements
Specimen: Pericardial Fluid
Container: Syringe
Preferred Vol: 1.0+ mL
Minimum Vol: 0.5 mL
Volumes listed are per individual test unless otherwise noted. If additional tests are needed, see the appropriate test entry for the additional volume required.
Processing Instructions
CPA: Send sample to Microbiology for processing. If the sample is shared and only one tube, syringe or other container is received, affix shared sample label and send entire sample plus requisition to Microbiology.
Off-site collection: Off-site Children's Lab locations should set up culture. Culture must be set up before remaining sample is refrigerated for courier pickup. Place culture plates in CO2 pouch and incubate until courier pickup.
Stability
Temp | Time |
---|---|
Room Temp. | 1 hour |
Refrigerated |
N |
Frozen | N |
Availability
Procedure | Performed | Turn Around Time (TAT) |
---|---|---|
Gram Stain | 24/7 |
1 hour |
Culture | 24/7 | 2 - 7 days |
Cultures are read at appropriate intervals to detect early bacterial growth. STAT requests are not applicable.
Performing Laboratory
Seattle Children's Laboratory
Department
Microbiology Laboratory
CPT Codes
87070
87075
87205 (Gram Stain)
This test is not limited to the CPT codes listed. Others may be added as more testing is necessary and depending on the pathogens isolated (such as MIC's and ID's)
Description
Includes Bacterial Culture and Gram Stain. Specimen cultured for Aerobic and Anaerobic bacteria.
Reporting Information
Preliminary Report: 18 - 24 hours
Final Report: 2 - 7 days
No growth cultures are typically held for 7 days.
Notifiable Result
See Link below for Notifiable Conditions for WA state labs:
https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-healthcare-providers/notifiable-conditions
See Link below for PDF of phone numbers for Local Health jurisdictions (by County) in WA State:
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1200/LHJCommunicableDiseaseReporting.pdf