Test directory: Body Fluid Culture and Gram Stain

Ordering Code644A
Test NameBody Fluid Culture and Gram Stain
AliasAmniotic Fluid Culture
Joint Fluid Culture
Pericardial Fluid Culture
Peritoneal Fluid Culture
Pleural Fluid Culture
Synovial Fluid Culture
Thoracentesis Culture
Preferred SpecimenNon-CSF Body Fluid
Preferred ContainerSterile Container (e.g. Vacutainer tube without preservative)
Other Specimen/ContainerSpecimen may be submitted in a syringe but MUST have needle removed and securely capped with a Luer Tip Cap
Specimen may be submitted in Blood Culture bottles using appropriate fill volume criteria, but unprocessed sample must also be submitted.
Optimum Volume10 mL
Transport RequirementsOahu: Ambient
Airline: Ambient
Specimen StabilityAmbient: 1 Day
Body fluids will be accepted up to 2 days, but fastidious organisms may not remain viable after 24 hours, or if specimen is received refrigerated.
Rejection CriteriaClotted, Frozen, Leaking specimen, Preservatives used
Culturettes are not appropriate transport devices for fluid specimens due to potential leakage
NOTE: Specimens with rejection concerns will be processed upon receipt and the ordering physician consulted.
Avail. StatYES
Analytic TimeUp to 5 Days
Preliminary reports at 24 and 48 hours. Additional time may be required for identification and/or susceptibility testing if culture is positive.
MethodologyVisual examination for bacterial growth on/in selective and non-selective media, and microscopic examination of smear for bacteria and differential using a Gram stain.

Reference range(s)

ComponentAgeMale NormMale Critical LowMale Critical HighFemale NormFemale Critical HighFemale Critical LowUnitsAdd'l info
Source:ALLSee report.
Report Status:ALLSee report.
Gram Stain:ALLSee report.
CultureALLSee report.