Definition of Pleural fluid culture:

Pleural fluid culture is a test that looks at a sample of fluid from the space around the lungs to find and identify disease-causing microorganisms.

How the test is performed:

A procedure called thoracentesis is done to obtain a sample of pleural fluid. The health care provider cleans a small area on your chest with germ-killing (antibacterial) soap and numbs the area with local pain-killing medicine (anesthetic). A needle is placed between the ribs, and a sample of fluid is taken from the chest.

The sample is placed on special plates that contain a substance to help the microorganisms in the fluid grow. When colonies of microorganisms are big enough, the health care provider does a series of tests to identify the infection-causing microorganisms.

How to prepare for the test:

It is important not to cough, breathe deeply, or move when the fluid sample is being taken. There is no other special preparation for the test.

How the test will feel:

You may feel a stinging sensation when the anesthetic is injected. You may feel some pressure and slight pain in the area when the thoracentesis needle enters the pleural space. You may have a chest x-ray after the test to make sure the test did not affect the lung tissue or function.

Why the test is performed:

The test is performed when the health care provider suspects an infection of the pleural space, or when a chest x-ray reveals an abnormal collection of pleural fluid.