Includes Biochemistry, Cell count
Preferred Specimen(s) 3 ml pericardial fluid
Instructions Grossly hemolyzed specimens are unacceptable. Freeze immediately after collection.
Transport Container Sterile, screw-cap container/EDTA tube
Transport Temperature Refrigerated
Reject Criteria
- Gel barrier tube, received at room temperature;
- frozen
Methodology PAP stain, Geimsa stain, Microscopic examination
Clinical Significance Fluid analysis is useful to describe the cause of fluid accumulation, i.e., transudate, exudate, hemorrhage, or effusion. Abnormal pericardial fluid analysis may suggest infection, inflammation, cardiac trauma, or tumor.