Sputum is a thick mucus produced in the lungs. A sputum culture test checks for infections that can cause pneumonia, tuberculosis, and other lung conditions.
Pleural fluid testing involves multiple measurements and can help diagnose the cause of fluid buildup around the lungs, which is called a pleural effusion.
Pericardial fluid analysis is used to help diagnose the cause of inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) and/or fluid accumulation around the heart (pericardial effusion).
A bacterial wound culture is primarily used, along with a Gram stain and other tests, to help determine whether a wound is infected and to identify the bacteria causing the infection.
Peritoneal fluid is the liquid in the space surrounding the organs in the abdomen. Lab tests performed on this fluid help diagnose the cause of ascites (fluid build-up) or peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum).
A urine culture is used to diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) and to identify the bacteria or yeast causing the infection so it can be treated. A urine culture may be ordered when a person has symptoms such as a frequent urge to urinate and pain and burning when urinating.
