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Pleural fluid gram stain

Definition

The pleural fluid gram stain is a test to diagnose bacterial infections in the lungs.

Alternative Names

How the Test is Performed

Pleural fluid is found in the space around the lungs. First, a sample of the pleural fluid is drained. This is done using a procedure called thoracentesis.

The health care provider cleanses an area on the chest with germ-killing (antibacterial) soap and numbs it with local pain-killing medicine (anesthetic). A needle placed between the ribs removes a sample of fluid from the chest.

The fluid sample is placed onto a microscope slide and mixed with a violet stain (called a gram stain). A laboratory specialist uses a microscope to look for bacteria on the slide. If bacteria are present, the color, number, and structure of the cells are used to identify the specific organism.

How to Prepare for the Test

It is important not to cough, breathe deeply, or move when the fluid sample is being taken. There is no other special preparation for the test.

How the Test Will Feel

You may feel a stinging sensation when the anesthetic is injected. You may feel some pressure and slight pain in the area when the thoracentesis needle enters the pleural space. You may have a chest x-ray after the test to make sure the test did not affect the lung tissue.

Why the Test is Performed

The test is performed when the health care provider suspects an infection of the pleural space, or when a chest x-ray reveals an abnormal collection of pleural fluid.

Normal Results

Normally, no organisms are present in the pleural fluid.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

You may have a bacterial infection of the lining of the lungs (pleura).

Risks

There is a risk of internal bleeding into the lung and collapsed lung (pneumothorax). Serious complications are extremely rare.

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