Pericardial fluid stain: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image

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Pericardial fluid stain



	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

Update Date: 9/3/2008

Updated by: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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