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Pericardial fluid gram stain - Results

Alternative Names

Gram stain of pericardial fluid

Normal Values:

A normal result means no bacteria are seen in the stained fluid sample.

What abnormal results mean:

If bacteria are present, you may have an infection of the pericardium or heart. Blood tests and bacterial culture can help identify the specific organism causing the infection.

Pericardial fluid stain

Reviewed last on: 9/3/2008
D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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