Gram – Peritoneal fluid: 4+ (>10/oif) neutrophils, 3+ (11-50/oif) gram negative bacilli, (Klebsiella pneumoniae), and 3+ (11-50/oif) gram positive cocci (Streptococcus constellatus) – Shipped May 09, 2017
HISTORY
A simulated peritoneal fluid smear collected from a 50 year old patient with intra-abdominal sepsis was sent to category A, B, C, and C1 laboratories. Participants were expected to report neutrophils, gram negative bacilli, and gram positive cocci.
MAIN EDUCATIONAL POINTS from G171
- Most infections in the peritoneal cavity have a mixture of microorganism, often with anaerobic morphotypes involved.
- Participants should carefully review Gram smears from these types of specimens to ensure that the various morphological types are no missed.
