CAPD fluid
Microbiology
Notes
- The information given here is intended for use by healthcare professionals. Please see Lab Tests Online-UK for more general advice, links and background.
- Inform the laboratory when sending CAPD samples.
- All CAPD samples will have a white cell count and enrichment culture, unless otherwise stated
- For follow-up samples on antibiotics where only a white cell count is required, state this clearly on the request form.
- A cloudy dialysate may also be caused by chyle, fibrin or blood
Sample requirements
- Inoculate dialysate into one set of BacT/ALERT blood culture bottles, adding 5–10 ml to each bottle.
- Clean the port and bottle tops with 2% chlorhexidine and 70% alcohol for 30 seconds, allow to air dry, and avoid contamination after cleaning.
- Inoculate the aerobic bottle first, then the anaerobic bottle, keeping bottles upright and avoiding under- or overfilling.
- Also send 25 ml dialysate in a 30 ml sterile universal container.
- If there is insufficient dialysate, send the complete dialysate bag instead.
Required information
- Relevant clinical details
- Current or recent antibiotic therapy
- For repeat samples requiring white cell count only, state this clearly on the request form.
Storage/transport
Send universal containers and blood culture bottles together via the air tube.
Transport samples to the laboratory promptly. Refrigerate if transport is delayed.
Turnaround time
- Cell count and microscopy on day of receipt
- Standard culture 2 – 4 days
- Enrichment culture 5 – 7 days