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The pleural fluid Gram stain is a test to diagnose bacterial infections in the lungs.
Alternative NamesGram stain of pleural fluid
How the test is performedPleural fluid is found in the space around the lungs. In a variety of diseases, an abnormal amount of pleural fluid builds up in the lungs.
A sample of the pleural fluid is needed for this test. For information on how the sample is obtained, see: Thoracentesis
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 testSee:ThoracentesisHow the test will feelSee: Thoracentesis
Why the test is performedThe 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 ValuesNormally, 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 meanYou may have a bacterial infection of the lining of the lungs (pleura).
What the risks areSee:ThoracentesisReferencesCelli BR. Diseases of the diaphragm, chest wall, pleura, and mediastinum. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 100.
What else can I help you with?
Is iodine a basic stain?
No, iodine is not a basic stain. Iodine is commonly used in Gram staining to identify bacteria as either Gram-positive or Gram-negative based on their cell wall composition. It acts as a mordant in the staining process and helps to fix the crystal violet stain in Gram staining.
What is the function of sodium bicarbonate with Merthiolate in Gram stain?
Sodium bicarbonate is used to adjust the pH of the staining solution in the Gram stain procedure. Merthiolate is used as a mordant to enhance the crystal violet staining in the Gram stain. Together, they help differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria based on their cell wall characteristics.
Which stain gives the best clarity for each organism?
Different types of organisms require different types of staining techniques. The Gram stain is majorly used in the identification of a bacterial organism. This is considered an effective stain for microscopic organisms.
What is the most crucial step in the gram stain procedure?
The most critical step of gram staining is the decolorization step as crystal violet stain will be removed from both G+ve & G-ve cells if the decolorizing agent(e.g alchohol ) is left on too long.
Why do you use iodine to stain a cell?
Iodine is used to stain cells because it binds to glycogen and starch, making them more visible under a microscope. This helps to visualize the cellular structures and identify specific components within the cell.
What type of organism would you look for in a Gram stain of the blood or cerebrospinal fluid in a menin gococcal case?
In a Gram stain of blood or cerebrospinal fluid in a meningococcal case, you would look for Gram-negative diplococci, which are indicative of Neisseria meningitidis. These bacteria are the causative agent of meningococcal disease. Their appearance in the Gram stain can help diagnose the infection.
Do acid-fast bacteria stain gram-negative when subjected to the gram stain?
No, acid-fast bacteria do not stain gram-negative when subjected to the gram stain.
What does the gram stain in a cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicate?
The gram stain in a cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicates the presence of bacteria and helps to identify their morphology (shape and arrangement). This can provide valuable information for diagnosing bacterial meningitis or other bacterial infections in the central nervous system.
Theories of principle of gram stain reactions?
Gram stain
What is the gram stain for cholera?
Gram Negative
Can a Gram stain a prion?
Protists are often stained using a silver stain, not a Gram stain.
What is the gram stain of H5N1?
The Gram stain is used for bacteria and not for viruses.
What is the gram stain of enterobacter cloacae?
Enterobacter cloacae is a Gram-negative bacterium. It will stain pink or red in a Gram stain procedure.
What is the Gram stain for measles?
Bacteria stain either gram-positive or gram-negative based on the presence or absence of a cell wall. Viruses do not pick up a gram stain.
What is the counter or secondary stain used in the Gram stain procedure?
The counter or secondary stain used in the Gram stain procedure is safranin.
What gram stain is lassa fever?
Lassa fever is a virus. It does not have a gram stain characteristic.
Does yogurt stain gram positive or gram negative?
Yogurt contains mostly lactic acid bacteria, which are Gram-positive bacteria. This means they will stain purple under a Gram stain.
