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Microbiology

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Pleural Fluid

See also Respiratory Samples and Mycobacterial Culture

Sample type

Pleural aspirates / chest drain fluids

Specimen requirements

Send in a sterile universal container

Minimum volume

1ml for routine culture, 5ml for extra tests

Frequency of test

Daily

Turnaround time

Routine respiratory culture - 4 days

Blood culture - 5 days (negative culture)

What to request on EPR

Pleural fluid culture MCS; blood bottle culture (non-blood fluids MCS)

Last reviewed:17 February 2023

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