Test Directory
Pleural Fluid - Routine C & S
Containers - Adult
Plain Sterile Universal Container
|
Volume Range
1 - 20 ml |
Blood Culture Set - Adult
|
Volume Range
8 - 10 ml |
Containers - Child
|
Plain Sterile Universal Container
|
Volume Range
As adult |
Blood Culture Set - Paediatric
|
Volume Range
Up to 4 ml |
Laboratory Site
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP
Transport arrangements
Transport as soon as practicable.
Sample storage arrangements
If delay in transporting, store neat fluid in the fridge (4-6°C). Specimens in blood culture bottles should be stored at room temperature.
Special instructions for collection
Useful:
In patients where there is suspicion of empyema. Samples will not be processed for TB unless specifically requested (See Pleural Fluid for TB.)
Collection:
Aseptic technique essential. Send samples in universal container (1-20ml) and paired Blood Culture bottles, optimally filled with 8-10mls in each. There's no need to send more than 2 universal containers. If small volume obtained, send in a universal container only.
How to request
Via Trak ("C&S - Fluids" then update site to "Fluid,pleural"). Use same Trak label for universal container and culture bottles. Alternatively, order on request form.
Availability
Samples are processed 24 hours (RIE) and 0900-1700 (SJH). Samples taken outwith these hours will be processed the following morning.
Anticipated turnaround
Culture: up to 5 days.
What happens if the result is positive or abnormal
Telephoned by microbiologist