Pleural fluid culture

Culture - pleural fluid

Pleural fluid culture is a test that examines a sample of fluid that has been collected in the pleural space to see if you have an infection to help understand the cause of the buildup of fluid in this space. The pleural space is the area between the lining of the outside of the lungs (pleura) and the wall of the chest. When fluid collects in the pleural space, the condition is called pleural effusion.

Pleural culture

A sample of pleural fluid is withdrawn by a needle and sent to the laboratory for testing. The sample pleural fluid is placed on culture plates containing growth media. When colonies of microorganisms have reached sufficient size, a series of biochemical tests can be performed to identify the presence of specific organisms. The test is performed when infection of the pleural space is suspected or when an abnormal collection of pleural fluid is noticed by chest X-ray.

How the Test is Performed

How to Prepare for the Test

How the Test will Feel

Why the Test is Performed

Normal Results

What Abnormal Results Mean

Risks