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Pleural fluid Gram stain

Definition

The pleural fluid Gram stain is a test to diagnose bacterial infections in or around the lungs.

How the Test is Performed

A sample of the fluid can be removed for testing. This process is called thoracentesis. One test that can be done on the pleural fluid involves placing the fluid onto a microscope slide and mixing it with chemical stains. A laboratory specialist uses a microscope to look for bacteria on the slide.

If bacteria are present, the color, number, and structure of the cells are used to identify the general type of bacteria. Full culture results will definitely identify the bacteria (this takes a few days). This test will be done if there is concern that a person has an infection involving the lung or the space outside the lung but inside the chest (pleural space).

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is needed before the test. A chest x-ray or an ultrasound will probably be done before and after the test.

DO NOT cough, breathe deeply, or move during the test to avoid injury to the lung.

How the Test will Feel

You will feel a stinging sensation when the local anesthetic is injected. You may feel pain or pressure when the needle is inserted into the pleural space.

Tell your health care provider if you feel short of breath or have chest pain.

Why the Test is Performed

Normally, the lungs fill a person's chest with air. If fluid builds up in the space outside the lungs but inside the chest, it can cause many problems. Removing the fluid can relieve a person's breathing problems and help explain why the fluid built up there.

The test is performed when the provider suspects an infection of the pleural space, or when a chest x-ray reveals an abnormal, usually large collection of pleural fluid. The Gram stain can help identify the bacteria that might be causing the infection.

Normal Results

Normally, no bacteria are seen in the pleural fluid.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

You may have a bacterial infection in the lining of the lungs (pleura).

References

Martin GJ, Friedlander AM. Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 207.

Millington TM, Finley DJ. Pleural effusion and empyema. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee EM, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2023. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:930-932.

Review Date: 11/26/2022

Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron Jr. Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.