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 NamesCulture - peritoneal fluid
How the test is performedThe 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 testEmpty your bladder before your abdominal tap procedure.
How the test will feelA 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 If a large amount of fluid is withdrawn, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded.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 performedThe test is done to find out if there is an infection in the peritoneal space.
Normal ValuesPeritoneal fluid is a sterile fluid, so normally no bacteria or fungi are present.
What abnormal results meanThe growth of any microorganism, such as bacteria or fungi, from peritoneal fluid is abnormal and indicates peritonitis.
What the risks areThere 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 considerationsThe diagnosis of peritonitis is based on more than just the peritoneal fluid culture (which may be negative even if you have peritonitis).
ReferencesGarcia-Tsao G. Cirrhosis and its sequelae. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 157.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
An ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
Peritoneal cavity
ascites
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.
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.
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.
Any cancer that begins in or spreads to the abdomen can leak fluid.
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).
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.
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.
7 liters approximately
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.