Ascitic Fluid

Overview
Department	Microbiology
Test Code	ASP
Synonyms	Peritoneal fluid excess Peritoneal cavity fluid
Availability	Monday - Sunday, testing routinely available out of hours
Turnaround Time	Cell count 1 hour (performed at Base and Hawera Hospital - sent on to Base for Gram, culture etc) Gram stain 1 hour (performed at Base Hospital) Culture 1-5 days (performed at Base Hospital)
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type	Aspirated fluid
Preferred	Aspirated fluid aliquoted into sterile pottles.
Acceptable	Entire drainage bag of aspirated fluid may be sent.
Unacceptable
Specimen Transportation	ASAP to lab at room temperature.
Pediatric Requirements	As above
Aliquot Requirements
Sample Type
Minimum Volume
Aliquot Transportation
Stability – Add test
Clinical Information
Reference Intervals
Test Method	Microscopy and culture
Advanced Notice	Not required
Patient Preparation	Not required
Comments
Please clearly specify other tests required.

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