During a pericardial fluid culture, a small needle is inserted into
the chest between the ribs into the pericardium (the thin sac that
surrounds the heart) and a small amount of fluid is withdrawn.
Samples of the fluid are placed in various culture media in the
laboratory, and the media is observed for the growth of
microorganisms. The test is performed when an infection of the
heart is suspected or when a pericardial effusion is present.
Review Date: 04/27/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel Levy, MD, Infectious Disease, Maryland Family Care,
Lutherville, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
