Ascitic Fluid

If requested, mycobacterial (TB) culture and microscopy for acid fast bacilli can also be performed.

Note: if you are sending an ascitic fluid that is urgent, please contact the laboratory prior to sending.

Sample type

Ascitic fluid

Specimen requirements

Collect using aseptic technique. Fluids from drains are not considered sterile.

Ascitic fluid should be sent in a sterile universal container. Ascitic fluid can also be sent in a single aerobic blood culture bottle, however a cell count cannot be performed using this method; culture will only be performed if the blood culture bottle flags positive.

Minimum volume

0.5ml

Frequency of test

Daily

Turnaround time

6 days

What to request on EPR

Pus / deep wound / fluid / abscess / biopsy / scrape / aspirate / valve MCS - > specimen type ascitic fluid; blood bottle culture (non-blood fluids MCS)