CULTURE, AEROBIC, BODY FLUIDS, RAPID

Body fluids that are normally sterile — such as pleural fluid around the lungs, ascitic fluid in the abdomen, joint fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid — should contain no bacteria. When infection is suspected, a sample of the fluid is cultured: placed in conditions where any bacteria present will grow so they can be identified.

Once the organism grows, the laboratory names it and, with sensitivity testing, shows which antibiotics will work against it. This turns an educated guess about treatment into a targeted one — particularly important in serious infections.

When do doctors advise this test?

• Fluid has collected around the lungs, in the abdomen or in a joint and infection is suspected
• Fever with a suspected deep or internal infection
• An infection is not responding to the initial antibiotics
• Before or during hospital treatment, as the treating team advises

Preparation & the sample

The fluid must be collected under sterile conditions by the treating doctor — usually with a needle procedure at the hospital or clinic — and sent to the laboratory promptly in the correct container. Antibiotics already given can reduce growth, so tell the team if treatment has started. Call +91 9451155402 to coordinate sample submission.

This information is educational and general. Your doctor's advice for your specific situation always comes first.