Understanding Your Laboratory Test: What to Expect and What the Results Mean
A laboratory test that identifies bacteria in the fluid surrounding the heart to diagnose infections.
{"This test looks for bacterial infection in the fluid around your heart","Sample is collected via a procedure called pericardiocentesis","Positive results indicate bacterial pericarditis requiring treatment","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic for treatment","The test is crucial for diagnosing serious heart infections"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56715-6
- Short code
- PERICULT
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Pcar Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container; blood culture bottles (aerobic and anaerobic) or sterile screw-cap tube without preservatives. For anaerobic culture, specimen must be collected anaerobically.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87040; 87075 (anaerobic); additional charges for identification (87077) and susceptibility (87186) if applicable
- SNOMED
- 301811001
- Specimen volume
- 3-10 mL of pericardial fluid; minimum 1 mL for culture. Larger volumes preferred for optimal pathogen recovery.
- Stability
- Transport to laboratory immediately at room temperature (20-25°C). Process within 2 hours of collection. If delayed, store at room temperature; do not refrigerate as some organisms are sensitive to cold.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and what does it look for in my body?
The Pericardial Fluid Culture test is a laboratory test that analyzes fluid collected from around the heart (called pericardial fluid) to detect and identify any bacteria that may be causing an infection. The pericardium is a thin sac that surrounds your heart, and it normally contains a small amount of fluid to help the heart move smoothly.
How is the sample for this test collected, and what should I expect during the collection process?
Pericardial fluid is not obtained from blood. It is collected through a procedure called pericardiocentesis, where a doctor inserts a thin needle through the chest wall into the pericardial sac to withdraw fluid. This procedure is typically performed under ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia. The collected fluid is then sent to a laboratory where it is placed in special culture media to allow any bacteria to grow and be identified.
Why might my healthcare provider order this test for me?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium), such as chest pain that worsens when lying down or breathing deeply, fever, shortness of breath, or a racing heart. These symptoms combined with findings suggesting possible infection may lead your doctor to suspect bacterial pericarditis, which is a serious condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
What do the results of this test mean, and how will my healthcare provider explain them to me?
A negative result means no bacteria were detected in the culture, which could indicate that your symptoms are caused by a viral infection, autoimmune condition, or other non-bacterial cause. A positive result means bacteria were found and identified, confirming bacterial pericarditis. This is important because the specific type of bacteria identified helps your doctor choose the most effective antibiotic to treat your infection.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria. Normal pericardial fluid is sterile.N/A
No fasting required. Specimen must be collected via pericardiocentesis under aseptic conditions by a qualified physician. Inform the laboratory of current antibiotic therapy.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Bacterial pericarditis is a serious condition that can lead to complications such as pericardial effusion (fluid buildup around the heart), cardiac tamponade (pressure on the heart affecting its ability to pump), and sepsis. Early detection through pericardial fluid culture is crucial for starting appropriate antibiotic therapy promptly. This test not only confirms the presence of bacterial infection but also identifies the specific organism, enabling targeted treatment rather than using broad-spectrum antibiotics. Without proper treatment, bacterial pericarditis can be life-threatening.
Frequently asked questions
Is the pericardiocentesis procedure painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Can this test detect viruses or fungi?
What happens if the test is positive?
Is bacterial pericarditis common?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
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