Pleural Fluid, Culture

Overview
Department	Microbiology
Test Code	ASP
Synonyms	Pleural aspirate Pleural exudate
Availability	Monday - Sunday, testing routinely available out of hours
Turnaround Time	Microscopy 1hr Culture 1 - 5 days
Specimen Requirements
Specimen	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. Do not refrigerate
Paediatric Requirements
Aliquot Requirements
Sample
Preferred Volume
Minimum Volume
Aliquot Transportation
Clinical Information
Reference Intervals
Test Method	Microscopy and culture
Advanced Notice	Not Required
Patient Preparation	Not Required
Comments
Please clearly specify other tests required.