Fluid Analysis, Pleural Fluid

Includes Biochemistry, Cell count

Preferred Specimen(s) 2 ml pleural fluid

Instructions Avoid hemolysis

Transport Container Sterile, screw cap container/EDTA tube

Transport Temperature Refrigerated

Reject Criteria

Gel barrier tube, received at room temperature;
Frozen

Methodology PAP stain, Geimsa stain, Microscopic examination

Clinical Significance Fluid analysis is useful to describe the cause of fluid accumulation, i.e., transudate, exudate, hemorrhage, or effusion. Abnormal pleural fluid analysis may suggest infection including tuberculosis, congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, nephritis, injury such as perforation, and tumor.