![]() If there are no microorganisms present, it does not rule out an infection they may be present in small numbers or their growth may be inhibited because of prior antibiotic therapy. If bacteria are present, susceptibility testing can be performed to guide antimicrobial therapy. Bacterial culture and susceptibility testing - ordered to detect any microorganisms, which will grow in the culture.There should be no organisms present in pericardial fluid. Gram stain - for direct observation of bacteria or fungi under a microscope.Infectious disease tests - routine tests for microorganisms if infection is suspected: The presence of certain abnormal cells, such as tumour cells or immature blood cells, can indicate what type of cancer is involved. This may be done when a mesothelioma or metastatic cancer is suspected. Cytology - a cytocentrifuged sample is treated with a special stain and examined under a microscope for abnormal cells.An increased number of neutrophils may be seen with bacterial infections. WBC differential - determination of percentages of different types of WBCs.Increased WBCs may be seen with infections and other causes of pericarditis. Total cell counts - quantity of WBCs and RBCs in the sample.Samples are placed on a slide, treated with special stain, and an evaluation of the different kinds of cells present is performed. Laboratories may examine drops of the pericardial fluid and/or use a special centrifuge (cytocentrifuge) to concentrate the fluid’s cells at the bottom of a test tube. ![]() Microscopic examination - Normal pericardial fluid has small numbers of white blood cells (WBCs) but no red blood cells (RBCs) or microorganisms. Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample? How is the sample collected for testing?Ī sample of fluid is collected from the pericardial sac by a doctor with a syringe and needle using a procedure called a pericardiocentesis (see Common questions). This is usually done in a special laboratory under guidance by echocardiography or X-ray imaging and ECG monitoring. Biochemical tests that may be performed are pH, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LD) and total protein. Pericardial fluid analysis comprises a group of tests used to determine the cause: red and white blood cell counts and differential, cytology, Gram stain, fungal culture and acid fast staining for tuberculosis. Pericardial fluid is produced by mesothelial cells in the membranes and acts to reduce friction as the heart pumps blood.Ī variety of conditions and diseases can cause inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) and/or excessive accumulation of pericardial fluid (pericardial effusion) for example inflammation, congestive heart failure, autoimmune disorders or metastatic cancer. It is found in small quantities between the two layers of the pericardium. ![]() ![]() Pericardial fluid is a liquid that acts as a lubricant for the movement of the heart. ![]()
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