Anaerobic microbial culture

This test isolates and identifies anaerobic bacteria from a certain body fluids. These bacteria do not require oxygen to survive. This test is used to help diagnose infections with anaerobic bacteria. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, synovial fluid, pus, urine, or another body fluid may be collected for this test. Pus or fluid taken directly from a particular part of the body (eg, brain, lungs and trachea) using a special technique may also be collected for this test.

Laboratory tests may be done for many reasons. Tests are performed for routine health screenings or if a disease or toxicity is suspected. Lab tests may be used to determine if a medical condition is improving or worsening. Lab tests may also be used to measure the success or failure of a medication or treatment plan. Lab tests may be ordered for professional or legal reasons. You may need this test if you have:

• Abscess of brain
• Anaerobic infection
• Aspiration pneumonia

Cerebrospinal fluid:

A lumbar puncture is a procedure that requires your written consent. Review the consent form with the healthcare worker and ask any questions that you have before signing the consent form. You may receive certain medications and need imaging tests done prior to the procedure.

Tell the person doing the lumbar puncture if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. Contact the healthcare worker if you have a history of chronic back pain, structural defects in your spine, or a past spinal surgery. Tell the healthcare worker if you have an infection on your back or if you have any psychiatric or neurological (nerve) conditions. You should also report if you have a history of allergic or other reactions to local anesthetics.

Peritoneal fluid:

A paracentesis is a procedure that requires written consent. Review the consent form with the healthcare worker and ask any questions that you have before signing the consent form.

Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. You should also report if you have a history of allergic or other reactions to local anesthetics. You may be asked to empty your bladder before the procedure. Your vital signs, weight, and waist measurement will be recorded before and after a paracentesis.

Pleural fluid:

A thoracentesis is a procedure that requires written consent. Review the consent form with the healthcare worker and ask any questions that you have before signing the consent form. Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. You should also report if you have a history of allergic or other reactions to local anesthetics. You may need to have blood tests and a chest x-ray performed before the thoracentesis.

Synovial fluid:

An arthrocentesis is a procedure that requires written consent. Review the consent form with the healthcare worker and ask any questions that you have before signing the consent form.

Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. You should also report if you have a history of allergic or other reactions to local anesthetics. Blood tests may need to be done before an arthrocentesis.

Urine:

To prepare for giving a urine sample, be sure to drink enough fluids before the test, unless you have been given other instructions. Try not to empty your bladder before the test.

A suprapubic bladder aspiration is a procedure that requires written consent. Review the consent form with the healthcare worker and ask any questions that you have before signing the consent form.

Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. You should also report if you have a history of allergy or other reactions to local anesthetics.

Other body fluid or tissue samples:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. Ask your healthcare worker for information about how to prepare for this test. If you have questions or concerns about the preparation for this test, talk to the healthcare worker.

A sample of cerebrospinal fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, synovial fluid, pus, urine, or another body fluid may be collected for this test. Pus or fluid taken directly from a particular part of the body (eg, brain, lungs and trachea) using a special technique may also be collected for this test.

Cerebrospinal fluid:

Cerebrospinal fluid is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord tissues. The procedure that collects a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is called a lumbar puncture. For this procedure, you may need to lie on your side facing away from the person performing the procedure. You may be asked to roll up into a ball with your knees brought close to your chest. This position allows your spine to spread apart slightly and helps direct needle placement. This procedure may also be done while you are in an upright sitting position, with your knees drawn up toward your chest.

An area in the lower back will be chosen for the needle insertion site. This is about at the level of the top of your hip bone. Your skin will be cleaned with antiseptic and the area will be draped with sterile cloth. Local anesthetic will be injected with a small needle to numb the area. Anesthetic cream may also be applied. After the anesthetic has taken effect, the lumbar puncture needle is inserted between the vertebrae and into the spinal column. Cerebrospinal fluid is drawn out for testing and the needle is removed. You may need to change positions during the procedure if the healthcare worker is having difficulty collecting a sample of fluid. This procedure may be done more than one time if collecting cerebrospinal fluid is difficult.

Peritoneal fluid:

Peritoneal fluid is the fluid in the space between the membrane linings of the abdomen wall and organs in the abdominal cavity. A paracentesis is a procedure that may be used to obtain a sample of peritoneal fluid. For this procedure, your skin will be shaved and cleaned, and a sterile area will be prepared. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the procedure area. A needle will be inserted through the abdominal wall into a fluid pocket. Sometimes a small incision is made to help insert the needle.

If fluid removal is difficult, you may need to change positions during the procedure to drain different pockets of fluid. After enough fluid has drained, the needle will be removed.

Pleural fluid:

Pleural fluid is the fluid in between the membrane linings of your lungs. A procedure called a thoracentesis is done to get a pleural fluid sample for testing. A healthcare worker will first need to locate the fluid that needs to be sampled. This is done by a chest x-ray, ultrasound, or by percussion (rhythmically pounding the chest wall). Once the fluid is located, a healthcare worker may hold up the arm on the same side where the procedure will be done. Your skin will be cleaned with antiseptic, and a local anesthetic is injected to numb the area. A needle will be inserted into the fluid pocket. Fluid samples are then drawn out using a needle attached to a syringe. When a large enough sample is collected, the needle will be removed. A thoracentesis may be done with or without the assistance of ultrasound or CT scan.

Synovial fluid:

Synovial fluid is the fluid around the joints. A synovial fluid sample is obtained by a procedure called an arthrocentesis. The skin over the joint will be cleaned, and a local anesthetic will be used to numb the tissue at the insertion site. A needle will be inserted into the space around the joint, and fluid collected into a syringe. After enough synovial fluid has been collected, the needle will be removed.

Urine:

Suprapubic bladder aspiration is a special method used to sample urine. First, the bladder is located with the help of an ultrasound machine. A sterile area will be prepared. A local anesthetic may be used to numb the procedure area. A needle will be inserted into the skin above the pubic bone. The needle will pass through the abdominal wall and reach the bladder. Urine is then drawn out into a syringe. Once a large enough sample is collected, the needle will be removed.

Other body fluid or tissue samples:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. Methods used to collect other body fluids or tissue samples may vary. Ask the healthcare worker to explain how this sample may be collected. If you have questions or concerns about this test, talk to the healthcare worker.

The amount of discomfort you feel will depend on many factors, including your sensitivity to pain. Communicate how you are feeling with the person doing the procedure. Inform the person doing the procedure if you feel that you cannot continue with the procedure.

Cerebrospinal fluid:

Before a lumbar puncture, a local anesthetic is given to the procedure site to numb the area. You may feel mild discomfort or stinging when the numbing medicine is injected. You may feel a pressure, a popping sensation, and discomfort when the procedure needle is inserted. Tell the person doing the test if you feel pain or numbness down your leg during the procedure. You may have back discomfort for several days after the procedure.

Peritoneal fluid:

For a paracentesis, a local anesthetic is given to numb the procedure area and decrease pain. When the numbing medicine is injected, you may feel mild discomfort or stinging. Brief pain may be felt as the needle passes through the abdominal wall. If you have a large build-up of extra peritoneal fluid, this procedure may decrease or relieve abdominal discomfort or difficulty breathing. If a large quantity of fluid is removed you may feel dizzy or light-headed. Tell the person doing the test if you feel dizzy or light-headed. The procedure site may be sore for several days.

Pleural fluid:

Before a thoracentesis, a local anesthetic is given to the procedure site to numb the area. You may feel mild discomfort or stinging when the numbing medicine is injected. You may still be able to feel pressure or discomfort during the procedure. Your procedure site may be sore for several days.

Synovial fluid:

During an arthrocentesis, a local anesthetic is given to numb the procedure area. You may feel mild discomfort or stinging when the numbing medicine is injected. You may feel pressure or discomfort during the procedure. Brief pain may be felt as the needle passes through the joint membrane. Your procedure site may be sore for several days.

Urine:

Before a suprapubic bladder aspiration, a local anesthetic is given to the procedure site to numb the area. You may feel mild discomfort or stinging when the numbing medicine is injected. You may still be able to feel pressure or discomfort during the procedure. Your procedure site may be sore for several days.

Other body fluid or tissue samples:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. This test may feel different depending on many factors, including the sample needed and how it is collected. Ask the healthcare worker what to expect during this test.

Cerebrospinal fluid:

After the lumbar puncture is complete, a bandage will be placed over the site and pressure held until the bleeding or drainage has stopped. You will need to lie flat for at least 1 to 2 hours after the lumbar puncture. Healthcare workers will monitor for drainage from the puncture site for a period of time after the test. You may be able carefully turn from your back to your side. You will be offered fluids to drink.

Peritoneal fluid:

After paracentesis is used to collect a sample of peritoneal fluid, pressure may be applied and a bandage will be secured over the puncture site. Your puncture site bandage and vital signs will be monitored frequently for a period of time after this procedure. Tell your healthcare worker immediately should you feel dizziness or weakness shortly after the procedure.

You will be given instructions for how to care for your bandage, and signs and symptoms of infection to watch for. Contact your healthcare worker if you develop a fever or increased pain, and if you see continued drainage, increasing redness, swelling, or pus formation at the procedure site.

After a paracentesis, healthcare workers may need to check your urine for any blood, as this may be a sign of bladder injury. Watch for any blood in your urine for at least 24 hours after the procedure. If you see blood in your urine, contact your healthcare worker immediately.

Pleural fluid:

After a thoracentesis, a bandage will be secured over your procedure site and pressure held until the bleeding or fluid leakage stops. You may receive a chest x-ray to check for complications. The chest x-ray may be repeated to look for the return of fluid in the lung. Follow your healthcare worker’s instructions for changing your bandage and other wound care. Tell your healthcare worker immediately if you have a new onset of difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, fever, or dizziness. Also immediately tell your healthcare worker if you have increased bleeding or drainage from the procedure site.

Synovial fluid:

After an arthrocentesis is completed, pressure may be held to the site, and a bandage secured over the puncture site. If a large amount of fluid is removed, an elastic wrap may be used to support your joint. To treat swelling and pain, you may place cold packs over the joint. Avoid heavy use of the joint for a few days. If you have difficulty using the affected arm or leg after the procedure, contact your healthcare worker.

You will be given instructions for how to care for your bandage and the signs and symptoms of infection to watch for. Contact your healthcare worker if you have a fever or increased pain, and if you see increasing redness, swelling, or pus at the procedure site.

Urine:

After suprapubic bladder aspiration is used to collect a sample of urine, pressure may be applied and a bandage will be secured over the puncture site. Your puncture site bandage and your urine output will be monitored frequently for a period of time after the procedure.

You will be given instructions on how to care for you bandage, and signs and symptoms of infection to watch for. Contact your healthcare worker if you develop a fever or pain worsens. Check also if you see continued drainage, increasing redness, swelling, or pus formation at the procedure site.

There may be some blood in the urine after the procedure. Contact your healthcare worker if this persists or worsens.

Other body fluid or tissue samples:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. Instructions for what to do after a collection of other body fluid or tissue samples may vary. Ask the healthcare worker to instruct you on what to expect after this test is completed. If you have questions or concerns about what to expect after the test is completed, talk to the healthcare worker.

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.