How the Test is Performed

The fluid must first be obtained from the sac surrounding the heart. In some people, a cardiac monitor may be placed prior to the test to monitor for heart disturbances. Patches called electrodes will be placed on the chest similar to an ECG. A chest X-ray or ultrasound may precede the test.

The skin of the chest will be cleansed with antibacterial soap. A trained physician, often a cardiologist, will obtain the sample. A small needle is inserted into the chest between the ribs into the pericardium, the thin sac that surrounds the heart, and a small amount of fluid is withdrawn. There will be a sensation of pressure and some pain as the needle is inserted into the chest.

An ECG and chest X-ray may also follow the procedure. Sometimes the pericardial fluid is obtained during open heart surgery.

A drop of the pericardial fluid is then applied in a very thin layer to a microscope slide -- this is called a smear. The specimen is stained with a series of stains, together called a Gram stain. It is first stained with crystal violet stain, then iodine, then decolorized, then stained with safranin. The stained smear is then examined under the microscope for the presence of bacteria.

The color, size, and morphologic appearance (shape) of the cells help make it possible to identify the infecting organism.

How to Prepare for the Test

Food and fluid will probably be restricted for several hours before the test. A chest X-ray or ultrasound may precede the test to identify the area of fluid collection.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the Test will Feel

There will be some pressure and discomfort associated with the removal of the fluid from the sac surrounding the heart. Your doctor should be able to give you enough pain medicine so that the procedure does not hurt very much.

Why the Test is Performed

The test is performed when an infection of the heart is suspected or when a pericardial effusion is present and the cause is unknown.

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