Peritoneal fluid: analysis
Synonym(s): Ascitic fluid, peritoneal effusion, hydroperitoneum
Overview
- Peritoneal cavity normally contains only a small amount of fluid; little or no fluid can be obtained by aspiration unless excess fluid (peritoneal effusion) is present.
- Gross appearance can assist in determining the nature of the fluid, eg turbid fluid may be an exudate.
- Investigation of effusions commonly includes some or all of:
- Cell counts Peritoneal fluid: differential cell count.
- Refractometry for total protein Peritoneal fluid: protein.
- Cytology Peritoneal fluid: cytology.
- Culture Peritoneal fluid: culture and sensitivity.
- Additional biochemical analyses may be of benefit for further characterization. Aim to classify initially into:
- Transudate.
- Modified transudate.
- Exudate.
Uses
Alone
- Assessment of nature peritoneal fluid; physical character, protein content, cell count, cytology, biochemistry, microbiology to aid in evaluation of cause of effusion.
Sampling
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Tests
Methodologies
Physical character
- Color.
- Turbidity.
- Coagulation.
- Odor.
Biochemistry
- To determine:
- Protein content Peritoneal fluid: protein.
- Presence of bilirubin.
- Presence of lipids.
- Presence of creatinine.
- Cytology Peritoneal fluid: cytology.
- Cell count and differential Peritoneal fluid: differential cell count.
- Culture and sensitivity Peritoneal fluid: culture and sensitivity.
Availability
- Readily available.
Technique intrinsic limitations
- Does not always reveal underlying cause of effusion.
Technician extrinsic limitations
- Cytological interpretation may be difficult, especially in differentiating neoplasia from reactive mesothelial cells - send for expert analysis.
Result Data
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from VetMedResource and PubMed.
- Jagger T (1997) Interpretation of test results for feline infectious peritonitis. Vet Rec 140 (12), 8977-8983.
- Tyler R D et al (1989) Evaluation of pleural and peritoneal effusions. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 19 (4), 743-768.