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Definition

Peritoneal fluid culture is a laboratory test performed on a sample of peritoneal fluid to detect bacteria or fungi that cause infection (peritonitis).

Peritoneal fluid is the fluid from the peritoneal cavity, a space between the wall of the abdomen and the organs inside.

Alternative Names

Culture - peritoneal fluid

How the test is performed

The test is performed by abdominal tap(paracentesis), a needle aspiration of the peritoneal cavity. A sample of fluid is sent to the laboratory for Gram stain and culture. The sample is examined regularly for bacterial growth.

How to prepare for the test

Empty your bladder before your abdominal tap procedure.

How the test will feel

A small area in your lower abdomen will be cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). You will also receive local anesthesia. You will feel pressure as the needle is inserted. If a large amount of fluid is withdrawn, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Why the test is performed

The test is done to find out if there is an infection in the peritoneal space.

Normal Values

Peritoneal fluid is a sterile fluid, so normally no bacteria or fungi are present.

What abnormal results mean

The growth of any microorganism, such as bacteria or fungi, from peritoneal fluid is abnormal and indicates peritonitis.

What the risks are

There is a small risk of the needle puncturing the bowel, bladder, or a blood vessel in the abdomen. This may result in bowel perforation, bleeding, and infection.

Special considerations

The diagnosis of peritonitis is based on more than just the peritoneal fluid culture (which may be negative even if you have peritonitis).

References

Garcia-Tsao G. Cirrhosis and its sequelae. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 157.

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What is the benefit of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity?

Serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity helps lubricate the abdominal organs, allowing them to move freely without friction. It also helps cushion and protect the organs from injury. Additionally, serous fluid acts as a medium for the exchange of nutrients and waste products within the abdominal cavity.


What type of membrane provides lubrication to the pleural pericardial and peritoneal cavities?

The serous membrane, also known as serosa, provides lubrication to the pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal cavities. This membrane secretes a fluid called serous fluid, which reduces friction between organs as they move within these cavities.


What fluid in human body wets the internal organs?

The fluid in the human body that wets the internal organs is called serous fluid. It is a clear, thin fluid that is produced by the serous membranes that line the cavities of the body, such as the pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal cavities. Serous fluid helps reduce friction between organs and allows them to move smoothly against each other.


What is parancentisis?

Paracentesis is a medical procedure in which a needle or catheter is inserted into the abdomen to remove excess fluid that has accumulated in the peritoneal cavity. This fluid is typically drained for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, such as to relieve symptoms of ascites (abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation).


Identify the three major subdivision of extracellular fluid found in the body?

The three major subdivisions of extracellular fluid in the body are interstitial fluid, plasma, and transcellular fluid. Interstitial fluid surrounds cells, plasma is the fluid component of blood, and transcellular fluid is found in cavities such as cerebrospinal, synovial, and peritoneal fluids.

Related Questions

What is an ascites?

An ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.


Where would you find most of the body fluid?

Peritoneal cavity


Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity is known as?

ascites


What is peritoneal dialysis in the treatment of kidney diseases?

Peritoneal dialysis in the treatment of kidney disease is the infusion of the abdomen with a special fluid. After some time the fluid is removed and refreshed by a fresh fluid. Thus the body can get rid of waste products.


How peritoneal is formed?

peritoneal dialysis work on the same principle except abdomen has a peritoneal cavity, lined by a thin epithelium called as peritoneum. peritoneal cavity is filled with dialysis fluid that enters the body through a catheter. excess water and waste pass through the peritoneum into the dialysis fluid. this process is repeated several times in a day.


What is the benefit of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity?

Serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity helps lubricate the abdominal organs, allowing them to move freely without friction. It also helps cushion and protect the organs from injury. Additionally, serous fluid acts as a medium for the exchange of nutrients and waste products within the abdominal cavity.


What impact does cancer have on the leakage of peritoneal fluid?

Any cancer that begins in or spreads to the abdomen can leak fluid.


What is ascites?

Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal space. Fluid enters the peritoneal space from the blood because of local hypertension (high blood pressure) or an osmotic imbalance in the plasma ( low plasma protein).


What causes peritoneal fluid other than that resulting from infection?

Peritoneal fluid is not just produced by infections. An inflamed pancreas, called pancreatitis, can cause a massive sterile peritonitis when it leaks its digestive enzymes into the abdomen.


What does a peritoneal ventricular shunt look like?

A peritoneal ventricular shunt is a medical device used to treat hydrocephalus by diverting excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to the peritoneal cavity. It typically consists of a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that is surgically placed into the brain's ventricles and connected to a valve that regulates the flow of fluid. The other end of the tube is tunneled under the skin to the peritoneal cavity, where the fluid is absorbed by the body. The device is not visible on the outside and is typically implanted entirely within the body.


How many liters of peritoneal fluid are produced and reabsorbed each day?

7 liters approximately


What are two types of dialysis?

There are two methods of dialysis in use: hemodialysis (blood dialysis) and peritoneal dialysis (dialysis in the abdominal cavity). In hemodialysis, the dialysis membrane is made up of cellophane or other synthetic material that assists in the removal of impurities from the blood by their passage through these semipermeable membranes in a fluid bath. In peritoneal dialysis, the surface area of the peritoneum acts as the membrane. Dialysis fluid is introduced into the peritoneal cavity and then periodically removed along with the waste products. This procedure may be done at intervals throughout the day or during the night.