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Pericardial fluid culture - Results

Alternative Names

Culture - pericardial fluid

Normal Values:

A normal result means no infectious organisms are found in the fluid sample.

What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal results may be due to an infection of the pericardium. The specific organism causing the infection may be identified. Additional tests may be needed to determine the most effective treatments.

Heart, section through the middle

Pericardial fluid culture

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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