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We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
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The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
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Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
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The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
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Pleural fluid Gram stain
Definition
The pleural fluid Gram stain is a test to diagnose bacterial infections in the lungs.
Alternative Names
Gram stain of pleural fluid
How the test is performed
Pleural fluid is found in the space around the lungs. In a variety of diseases, an abnormal amount of pleural fluid builds up in the lungs.
A sample of the pleural fluid is needed for this test. For information on how the sample is obtained, see: Thoracentesis
The fluid sample is placed onto a microscope slide and mixed with a violet stain (called a Gram stain). 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 specific organism.
How to prepare for the test
See:
ThoracentesisHow the test will feel
See: Thoracentesis
Why the test is performed
The test is performed when the health care provider suspects an infection of the pleural space, or when a chest x-ray reveals an abnormal collection of pleural fluid.
Normal Values
Normally, no organisms are present in the pleural fluid.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results mean
You may have a bacterial infection of the lining of the lungs (pleura).
What the risks are
See:
ThoracentesisReferences
Celli BR. Diseases of the diaphragm, chest wall, pleura, and mediastinum. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 100.
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