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.