MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Peritoneal culture

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Peritoneal culture

A peritoneal culture is a procedure where peritoneal fluid is withdrawn with a needle from the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal cavity is the space between the two membranes lining the abdominal cavity. The test is done to determine the cause of ascites, fluid accumulation in the peritoneal space.

Update Date: 2/10/2006

Updated by: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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