Q: Which one trick may increase the sensitivity of spontaneous bacterial empyema (SBEM) in patients with hydrothorax?


Answer:  The sensitivity for detecting spontaneous bacterial empyema (SBEM) increase from 33% to 77% by inoculating fluid directly into a blood culture bottle at the bedside, instead of sending collected fluid tubes/bottle to microbiology laboratory.


References: 

1. Xiol X, Castellví JM, Guardiola J, et al. Spontaneous bacterial empyema in cirrhotic patients: a prospective study. Hepatology 1996; 23:719. 

2. Gurung P, Goldblatt M, Huggins JT, et al. Pleural fluid analysis and radiographic, sonographic, and echocardiographic characteristics of hepatic hydrothorax. Chest 2011; 140:448.