OVERVIEW
WHAT IS PERICARDIAL FLUID?
Pericardial fluid is the fluid secreted by the serous layer of the pericardium into the pericardial cavity
WHAT IS CSF FOR GRAM STAIN LAB TEST?
A Gram stain is a laboratory procedure used to detect the presence of bacteria and sometimes fungi in a
given sample, taken from the site of a suspected infection. It gives quick results as to which type of
bacteria or fungi.
The Gram stain involves applying a sample from the infected area onto a glass slide and allowing it to
dry. The slide is then treated with a special stain and examined under a microscope. Any bacteria that
maybe present are categorized by color and shape during the microscopic evaluation:
Color — typically bacteria may be either gram-positive (purple) or gram-negative (pink)
Shape — the most common shapes include round (cocci) or rod-shaped (bacilli)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS):
How is this test performed?
This test is performed on cerebrospinal fluid collected from the lower back using a procedure known as
lumbar puncture or spinal tap.
What complications are associated with the CSF test?
Lumbar puncture is considered safe when done by a trained and experienced doctor. However, there
are some medical risks, including:
- bleeding into the spine
- allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Infection
- damage to the spinal cord, if the patient moves
- brain herniation, if a brain mass is present
What is bacterial meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. It
progresses quickly and can be life-threatening in some cases. Symptoms of meningitis are:
- High fever
- Stiff neck
- Severe headache
- Extreme sensitivity to light
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT:
- A negative gram stain is often reported as “no organism seen”.
- A positive gram stain results usually include a description of what was seen on the slide.
However, Gram stain results are usually considered preliminary, and results of a culture or other tests
such as antigen and antibody testing for particular types of bacteria are necessary to confirm a
diagnosis. Sometimes, susceptibility testing is necessary to determine which antibiotic will be most
effective in treating the infection.
WHY GET TESTED?
A gram stain is typically ordered along with a culture when a bacterial or sometimes fungal infection is
suspected. A CSF gram stain looks for microorganisms. It is ordered when a doctor suspects meningitis
or encephalitis.
