Ascitic Fluid Analysis
Includes: 14 Parameters
Ascites are the accumulation of ascitic fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Ascites can be caused by a variety of disorders, but the most frequent and common one is portal hypertension which is typically caused by liver cirrhosis. Ascites are often not clinically evident until at least 500 mL of fluid is present. When considerable amounts of fluid collect, the abdomen can become bloated and tight, making the patient feel short of breath (due to diaphragmatic splinting). Ascitic Fluid Analysis Overview What exactly does Ascitic Fluid Analysis diagnose? Peritoneal fluid is a lubricating liquid found in the abdominal cavity. It is present in modest amounts (usually 5-20 mL) between the peritoneum layers that line the abdominal wall. Peritoneal fluid moisturises the organs' exteriors and minimises friction during digestion and movement. Several disorders and diseases can cause peritoneal inflammation (peritonitis) and/or excessive peritoneal fluid build-up (peritoneal effusion or ascites). Peritoneal fluid analysis is a series of assays that assess this liquid to determine the origin of the excess fluid. Paracentesis is a test that aids in determining the type of fluid in the peritoneum. It could be exudate or transudate. Transudate is a clear fluid. Exudate is a fluid that contains pus. When to get tested for Ascitic Fluid and what are its symptoms? When you experience stomach discomfort and swelling, nausea, and/or fever, and your doctor suspects you have peritonitis or ascites. Ascitic fluid, peritoneal tap, and abdominal paracentesis are all indications for the test. How Ascitic Fluid Analysis is conducted? First, you have to get ready for the test. Inform your provider if you: Ascitic Fluid Analysis Test procedure A needle and syringe are used to extract a fluid sample from the peritoneal space. Ultrasound is frequently used to guide the needle to the fluid. A little portion of your tummy will be cleaned and numb by the doctor (abdomen). A needle is placed through your abdomen's skin, and a fluid sample is extracted. The fluid is collected in a tube (syringe) attached to the needle's tip. The following tests can also be performed: How to understand Ascitic Fluid Analysis test results? The colour and physical characteristics of the Ascitic Fluid Test can tell you the following: A peritoneal fluid sample's natural appearance is straw-coloured and transparent. Abnormal appearances may provide hints to the presence of illnesses or diseases, and may include: Serum ascitic albumin gradient (SAAG) evaluation The serum ascitic albumin gradient (SAAG) monitors portal pressure indirectly and can be A high SAAG concentration (>1.1g/dL) indicates that the ascitic fluid is a transudate. Reasons for a High SAAG A high SAAG (transudate) level indicates the existence of portal hypertension, which could be caused by: A low SAAG level (1.1g/dL) indicates that the ascitic fluid is an exudate. Reasons for a Low SAAG The following are some of the causes of a low SAAG (i.e., exudate): Biochemical analysis This study of ascitic fluid can provide significant information that might help narrow the differential diagnosis. The table below summarises the common patterns of biochemical findings that are associated with certain underlying disease processes. Chemical testing Tests that may be conducted in addition to albumin include: Microscopic inspection It may be conducted if infection or malignancy is suspected; normal peritoneal fluid contains few WBCs but no RBCs or microorganisms. The following are possible outcomes of an evaluation of the many types of cells present: Infectious disease tests - If an infection is suspected, tests to screen for bacteria may be conducted.
Ascitic fluid analysis can aid in determining the underlying cause and identifying indicators of infection.
Ascites are the accumulation of ascitic fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Ascites can be caused by a variety of disorders, but the most frequent and common one is portal hypertension which is typically caused by liver cirrhosis. Ascites are often not clinically evident until at least 500 mL of fluid is present. When considerable amounts of fluid collect, the abdomen can become bloated and tight, making the patient feel short of breath (due to diaphragmatic splinting).
Ascitic fluid analysis can aid in determining the underlying cause and identifying indicators of infection.
Ascites manifest as fluid shifting from side to side or a bulging sensation in the abdomen from side to side. The Ascitic Fluid Test helps to determine the type of fluid collected in the abdomen (colour, turbidity, and presence of blood). It aids in the diagnosis of fluid accumulation.
The fluid is submitted to a lab to be studied. The fluid will be examined to see what it contains.:
used to evaluate whether ascites is caused by portal hypertension.
SAAG = (serum albumin) – (ascitic fluid albumin)
REPORT TIME:
SPECIMEN: ASCITIC FLUID
Doctors
Ascitic Fluid Analysis
ASCITIC FLUID
MANUAL MICROSCOPY
4:00 PM (Daily)
5 mL Refrigerated
Frequently asked questions
- < 300 WBC/uL < 250 PMN WBC/uL , Clear and light-yellow hue
- The quantity is 50 ml
- Proteins ˂4.1 g/dL
- Absence of RBC
- Glucose levels range from 70 to 100 mg/dL
- A microscopic examination reveals that there are no cancer cells, germs, or fungi
- Negative for carcinoembryonic antigen
- Amylase levels range from 138 to 400 units/L
- Females have alkaline phosphatase levels ranging from 87 to 250 units/L, whereas males have levels ranging from 90 to 240 units/L
The peritoneum is a semi-permeable, tough membrane that lines the abdominal and visceral cavities. It protects, supports, and lubricates the organs contained within the cavity. Paracentesis is essentially an examination of 'Ascites,' which is an abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen.
Paracentesis, also known as Abdominal Tap, is a test that aids in the removal of fluid from the peritoneum.
Transudate is a clear fluid. Exudate is a fluid that contains pus.
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