Ascitic fluid cell count, microscopy and culture
| Category | Microbiology |
|---|---|
| Test background | |
| Clinical Indications | |
| Reference range | Cell count: <250 WBCs/µL |
| Sample & container required | Ascitic fluid - Ascetic fluid in EDTA for cell count only, Ascetic fluid in sterile container for culture |
| Sample volume | Cell count: approx. 3 mL fluid in EDTA (lavender top); Microscopy and culture: sterile universal container (2 mL) |
| Transport storage | Transport to the laboratory on the day of collection |
| Turnaround time | 5 days |