If requested, mycobacterial (TB) culture and microscopy for acid fast bacilli can also be performed.
Note: if you are sending an ascitic fluid that is urgent, please contact the laboratory prior to sending.
Sample type
Ascitic fluid
Specimen requirements
Collect using aseptic technique. Fluids from drains are not considered sterile.
Ascitic fluid should be sent in a sterile universal container. Ascitic fluid can also be sent in a single aerobic blood culture bottle, however a cell count cannot be performed using this method; culture will only be performed if the blood culture bottle flags positive.
Minimum volume
0.5ml
Frequency of test
Daily
Turnaround time
6 days
What to request on EPR
Pus / deep wound / fluid / abscess / biopsy / scrape / aspirate / valve MCS - > specimen type ascitic fluid; blood bottle culture (non-blood fluids MCS)
