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Pleural fluid culture

Definition

Pleural fluid culture is a test that looks at a sample of fluid from the space around the lungs to find and identify disease-causing organisms.

Alternative Names

Culture - pleural fluid

How the test is performed

A procedure called thoracentesis is done to obtain a sample of pleural fluid. The health care provider cleans a small area on your chest with germ-killing (antibacterial) soap and numbs the area with local pain-killing medicine (anesthetic). A needle is placed between the ribs, and a sample of fluid is taken from the chest.

The sample is placed on special plates that contain a substance to help the tiny organisms in the fluid grow. When colonies of microorganisms are big enough, the health care provider does a series of tests to identify the infection-causing organisms.

How to prepare for the test

It is important not to cough, breathe deeply, or move when the fluid sample is being taken. There is no other special preparation for the test.

How the test will feel

You may feel a stinging sensation when the anesthetic is injected. You may feel some pressure and slight pain in the area when the thoracentesis needle enters the pleural space. You may have a chest x-ray after the test to make sure the test did not affect the lung tissue.

Why the test is performed

The test is performed when the health care provider suspects an infection of the pleural space, or when a chest x-ray reveals an abnormal collection of pleural fluid.

Normal Values

Normally, no organisms are present in the pleural fluid.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal results may indicate:

• Lung abscess
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis

The test may also be performed for pulmonary nocardiosis.

What the risks are

There is a risk of internal bleeding into the lung and collapsed lung (pneumothorax). Serious complications are extremely rare.

Review Date:11/12/2007
Reviewed By:Andrew Schriber, M.D., F.C.C.P., Specialist in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mount Holly, New Jersey. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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