Pericardial fluid culture

Definition

Pericardial fluid culture is a test performed on a sample of fluid from the sac surrounding the heart to identify organisms that cause infection.

Alternative Names

Why the Test is Performed

The test is performed when the doctor suspects an infection of the heart or if you have pericardial effusion.

How the Test is Performed

Some people may have a cardiac monitor placed before the test to check for heart disturbances. Patches called electrodes will be placed on the chest, similar to during an ECG. A chest x-ray or ultrasound may be done before the test.

The skin of the chest will be cleaned with antibacterial soap. A trained physician, often a cardiologist, will take the sample. A small needle is inserted into the chest between the ribs into the pericardium, which is the thin sac that surrounds the heart. A small amount of fluid is removed.

You will feel pressure and some pain as the needle is inserted into the chest. You may have an ECG and chest x-ray after the test. Sometimes the pericardial fluid is taken during open heart surgery.

In the laboratory, technicians use special techniques to grow bacteria in samples of the fluid. It can take a few hours to several weeks to get the test results, depending on the type of organism.

How to Prepare for the Test

You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours before the test. You may have a chest x-ray or ultrasound before the test to identify the area of fluid collection.

How the Test Will Feel

You will feel some pressure and discomfort when fluid is removed from the sac surrounding the heart. Your doctor should be able to give you enough pain medicine so that the procedure does not hurt very much.

Risks

There is a risk of puncturing the heart or the lung with this procedure. Introducing infection into the area is another rare, but potential, risk.

Normal Results

No organisms is normal.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An infection of the pericardium may be present. The specific organism may be identified. Other testing (sensitivity) can be used to determine which treatment will be most effective.

The test may also be performed for pericarditis.