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Fluid Cell Count and Culture

Alternative Names:Ascitic fluid
Pleural fluid
PD fluid
Laboratory:Microbiology
Test Code:FLD, code FC if blood culture bottles collected
Medicare rebatable:Yes
Registration Instructions:

Do not use this panel for joint fluids/aspirates (knee) - JFA

Code FC if blood culture bottles collected.

During work hours please send to microbiology to be split for biochemistry, cytology and other further testing.

Specimen Types:Fluid
Container Types:
Sterile Container
Lithium Heparin (without Gel)
Sterile Container
Collection & Request Instructions:

Examination for mycobacteria are performed only on specific request.

Add 3mL of fluid to an EDTA tube and mix. This will be used for cell count and differential. Send fluid in a sterile yellow top container for culture and further testing. Culture cannot be performed from the EDTA tube.

Ascitic, Pericardial, Pleural Fluids are often clotted on arrival and a count will not be performed. A Gram stain and differential count will be performed.

Peritoneal Dialysate should be sent in a sterile container for cell count and culture.

Send 50 mL of fluid in a sterile container. Do not send bags.

Collect Peritoneal dialysis fluids into blood culture bottles also.

Adult (Plus Aerobic/F culture vial):   8-10 mL of fluid per bottle.

Adult (Lytic/10 Anaerobic/F culture vial):  8-10 mL of fluid per bottle.

Paediatric (Peds Plus/F culture vial):  1-3 mL of fluid per bottle.                                                                                                                  

Transport Instructions:Room Temperature
Assay Frequency:Daily

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