Service Description

The Body Fluid Culture and Gram Stain test is used to detect bacterial or fungal infections in body fluids such as pleural fluid, synovial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or peritoneal fluid. The Gram stain provides rapid preliminary information, while the culture identifies the specific organism causing the infection. Why it’s done: To diagnose suspected infections in normally sterile body fluids To help determine the type of bacteria or organism present To guide appropriate antibiotic or antifungal treatment To monitor response to treatment in serious infections Specimen Type: Sterile body fluid sample (collected by a licensed healthcare provider) Turnaround Time: Gram stain: Same day results Culture: Typically 2–5 business days Collection Available: In-office (requires provider collection and special handling)