Includes Biochemistry, Cell count
Preferred Specimen(s) 2 ml ascitic fluid
Transport Container Plastic screw-cap container/EDTA tube
Transport Temperature Refrigerated
Reject Criteria
- Gel barrier tube;
- 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. Ascites fluid may be secondary to malignancy even with negative cytological exam.