About Your Laboratory Test: What It Is, How It Is Done, and Why You May Need It
This test identifies anaerobic bacteria in fluid around the heart to diagnose infections.
{"Tests pericardial fluid for anaerobic bacterial infection","Helps diagnose pericarditis caused by bacteria","Results guide antibiotic treatment decisions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87939-5
- Short code
- PERIANA
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Pcar Anaerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof, anaerobic transport container or blood culture bottle specifically designed for anaerobic culture. Do not use containers with swabs in transport medium that may expose organisms to oxygen.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 5
- Ref high
- 7
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- anaerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87075
- SNOMED
- 441829007
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1-3 mL of pericardial fluid; larger volumes (3-10 mL) preferred for optimal recovery of anaerobic organisms
- Stability
- Specimen should be processed immediately upon receipt. If delayed, store at room temperature (20-25°C) in anaerobic transport conditions for no longer than 2 hours. Do not refrigerate as some anaerobic bacteria are cold-sensitive.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 120–168 hours
- Order
- routine
This is a laboratory test that helps your healthcare provider evaluate your health by analyzing a sample in a medical lab. The results provide important information about how your body is working and can help detect, diagnose, or monitor a medical condition over time.
The pericardial fluid anaerobe culture is a laboratory test that detects and identifies anaerobic bacteria in the pericardial fluid. The pericardial fluid is a small amount of fluid that surrounds the heart, helping it move smoothly within the chest cavity. Anaerobic bacteria are germs that can grow without oxygen and may cause serious infections in some cases.
A trained healthcare professional will collect your sample, usually from a vein in your arm or through another simple method, depending on what your provider has ordered. The collection is quick, and most people can return to their normal activities right afterward.
A healthcare provider collects pericardial fluid using a procedure called pericardiocentesis. This involves inserting a thin needle through the chest wall into the pericardial sac to withdraw fluid. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is cultured to grow and identify any anaerobic bacteria present.
Your provider may order this test to help find the cause of symptoms you are having, to screen for a health problem before symptoms appear, or to monitor a condition you already have. The results help guide decisions about your diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium), such as chest pain, fever, or difficulty breathing. The test helps determine if a bacterial infection is causing the inflammation and identifies the specific bacteria so appropriate antibiotics can be prescribed.
Reference range
No anaerobic bacteria isolated after 5-7 days of incubation. Normal pericardial fluid is sterile.N/A
Pericardial fluid collection requires pericardiocentesis performed by a qualified physician under sterile conditions. Patient should be informed of the procedure risks including cardiac tamponade, arrhythmias, and infection. No fasting required prior to pericardiocentesis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive culture result indicates an anaerobic bacterial infection of the pericardium, which is a serious condition requiring prompt treatment. Common anaerobic bacteria that may cause pericardial infections include Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Fusobacterium species. This test helps doctors select the most effective antibiotics and monitor treatment response. A negative result suggests the pericarditis is likely caused by other factors such as viruses, autoimmune conditions, or non-infectious causes.
Frequently asked questions
Is this test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if bacteria are found?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy