Pleural fluid culture is a test that looks at a sample of fluid from the space around the lungs to see if you have an infection.

Culture - pleural fluid

A sample of pleural fluid is needed. For information on how this is taken, see: Thoracentesis

The sample is sent to a laboratory and examined under a microscope for signs of infection.

For information on how the test will feel, see: Thoracentesis

Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of a certain infection, or if a  chest x-ray shows you have too much fluid in space around the lungs.

A normal result means no bacteria, virus, or fungi were seen in the test sample.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

Abnormal results may indicate:

• Empyema
• Lung abscess
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis

See: Thoracentesis

Karcher DS. McPherson RA. Cerebrospinal, synovial, serous body fluids, and alternative specimens. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds.Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 29.