Pericardial fluid Gram stain
Gram stain of pericardial fluidPericardial fluid Gram stain is a method of staining a sample of fluid taken from the pericardium to diagnose a bacterial infection. This is the sac surrounding the heart. The Gram stain method is one of the most commonly used techniques to rapidly identify the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Gram stain method
A Gram stain is a test used to identify bacteria. It is one of the most common ways to quickly diagnose bacterial infection in the body.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleHow the Test is Performed
A sample of fluid will be taken from the pericardium. This is done through a procedure called pericardiocentesis. Before this is done, you may have a heart monitor to check for heart problems. Patches called electrodes are put on the chest, similar to during an electrocardiogram (ECG). You will have a chest x-ray or ultrasound before the test.
Pericardiocentesis
Pericardiocentesis is a procedure that uses a needle to remove fluid from the pericardial sac. This is the tissue that surrounds the heart.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleECG
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleChest x-ray
A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleUltrasound
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of organs and structures inside the body.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleThe skin of the chest is cleaned with antibacterial soap. The doctor then inserts a small needle into the chest between the ribs and into the pericardium. A small amount of fluid is taken out.
You may have an ECG and chest x-ray after the procedure. Sometimes, the pericardial fluid is taken during open heart surgery.
A drop of the pericardial fluid is spread in a very thin layer on a microscope slide. This is called a smear. A series of special stains are applied to the sample. This is called a Gram stain. A laboratory specialist looks at the stained slide under the microscope, checking for the presence of bacteria.
The color, size, and shape of the cells help identify the bacteria, if present.
How to Prepare for the Test
You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours before the test. A chest x-ray or ultrasound may be done before the test to identify the area of fluid collection.
How the Test will Feel
You will feel pressure and some pain as the needle is inserted into the chest and when the fluid is removed. Your health care provider will likely give you pain medicine so that the procedure is not too uncomfortable.
Why the Test is Performed
Your provider may order this test if you have a heart infection (myocarditis), signs of a heart sac infection, or a pericardial effusion (fluid buildup of the pericardium) with an unknown cause.
Myocarditis
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. The condition is called pediatric myocarditis when it occurs in children.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticlePericardial effusion
Pericarditis is a condition in which the sac-like covering around the heart (pericardium) becomes inflamed.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleThe test may also be done if you have, or are suspected to have, pericarditis.
Normal Results
A normal result means no bacteria are seen in the stained fluid sample.
What Abnormal Results Mean
If bacteria are present on the Gram stain, you may have an infection of the pericardium or heart. Blood tests and bacterial culture can help identify the specific organism causing the infection.
Risks
Complications are rare but may include:
- Heart or lung puncture
- Infection
References
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Pericardiocentesis - diagnostic. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:864-866.
LeWinter MM, Cremer PC, Klein AL. Pericardial diseases. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 86.
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Pericardial fluid stain - illustration
Pericardial fluid that is obtained from the heart is stained with a violet stain known as gram stain. The sample is then examined under the microscope for the presence of bacteria. The color, number, and morphologic appearance of the cells help make it possible to identify the organism. The test is performed when an infection of the heart is suspected, or when a pericardial effusion is present.
Pericardial fluid stain
illustration
-
Pericardial fluid stain - illustration
Pericardial fluid that is obtained from the heart is stained with a violet stain known as gram stain. The sample is then examined under the microscope for the presence of bacteria. The color, number, and morphologic appearance of the cells help make it possible to identify the organism. The test is performed when an infection of the heart is suspected, or when a pericardial effusion is present.
Pericardial fluid stain
illustration
Review Date: 12/4/2022
Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.