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. |