Aspirates
Test Information
Test Name
Aspirates
Synonyms
Peritoneal fluid; Synovial fluid; Bursa fluid; Joint fluid; Pleural fluid; Ascitic/ Ascites fluid; Pericardial fluid
Department
Microbiology/Cytology
Preferred Specimen
Majority of fluid in a sterile pottle (If a cell count is required then a small portion in an EDTA tube is recommended)
Testing Location
PLBOP
Turn Around Time
3 days
Collection Information
Patient Requestable
No
Preparation
- Aspirate specimens should arrive in the laboratory in sterile, properly sealed and labelled containers.
- Syringe samples should arrive with the needle removed and syringe capped.
Processing Information
Registration Code
ASPR
Notes
- Process ASAP
- Check test required - Confirm with Microbiology/Cytology
- Urgent aspirates are tested at each of the Micro STAT labs (Rotorua, Whakatane, Taupo)
- Routine aspirates samples all send to PLBOP
Methodology
Sample Storage
Fridge